Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Von der Leyen stated 'the tide is turning' for Ukraine, highlighting military progress and EU support.
- A €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine is operational, and accession talks are advancing.
- A new EU-Ukraine drone partnership is being established.
- Ukraine's government is undergoing a significant reshuffle.
- US strikes on Iran have escalated Middle East tensions and affected oil prices.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict by declaring 'the tide is turning' for Ukraine. This visit follows a period of challenges, but Ukraine has since launched successful long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries, and a €90 billion loan is now operational, with EU accession gaining momentum.
Discussions between von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on drones, with an anticipated 'drone deal' between Ukraine and the EU. This partnership could involve building and storing drones within EU territory for transfer to Ukraine.
The visit coincides with a significant reshuffle in Ukraine's government, including the removal of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Meanwhile, US strikes on Iran have escalated tensions in the Middle East and impacted oil prices. The EU and Ukraine are deepening defense cooperation with a new drone partnership.