Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Von der Leyen declared that 'the tide is turning' for Ukraine, citing military momentum and renewed EU support.
- A significant €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine is now operational, and accession talks are progressing.
- Discussions between leaders are expected to center on a new drone deal and Ukraine's EU membership path.
- Ukraine's government is undergoing a reshuffle, including the removal of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
- EU and UK reached an agreement on Gibraltar, paving the way for the demolition of the border fence with Spain.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict as she declared that 'the tide is turning' for Ukraine. Her visit follows a period of bleakness in late February, marked by widespread blackouts and a blocked EU support loan. The situation has since improved with Ukraine launching successful long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries and the €90 billion loan now operational, with Ukraine's EU accession process gaining momentum.
Von der Leyen's discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to heavily focus on drones, with an imminent 'drone deal' between Ukraine and the EU anticipated. This deal could involve building and storing drones within EU territory for transfer to Ukraine, a move framed as a win-win for both parties. Zelenskyy will also present von der Leyen with the newly created Order of Europe.
The visit coincides with a significant reshuffle in Ukraine's government, including the removal of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Questions also surround the future of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose reform-minded management style has been praised, particularly as Ukrainian forces intensify their campaign to isolate Crimea.
Meanwhile, EU ambassadors are attempting to finalize the 21st package of sanctions against Russia. Separately, an agreement between the EU and UK will lead to the demolition of the border fence between Gibraltar and Spain, ending over a century of separation. Discussions also revealed details of a meeting between European officials and a Taliban delegation, who reportedly requested the reopening of consular services in exchange for accepting Afghan migrants. Hungary is also facing a deadline to ensure its students can participate in the Erasmus+ exchange program for the upcoming academic year.