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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends the European Union Summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, as Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 2, 2023. Press Service/Presidential Handout
KIEV – Air raid sirens sounded in Kiev and throughout Ukraine on Friday (3/2/2023) before the start of a summit between senior Ukrainian officials and representatives European Union (EU) as reported by France 24.
Top EU officials are scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev to show support for the country as it struggles to resist a Russian invasion and seeks to join the EU and NATO.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, as well as 15 European commissioners, traveled to the Ukrainian capital for what they described as a summit.
The last summit was held in Kiev in October 2021 – months before the war started. The highly symbolic visit was also the first EU political mission of its kind to a country at war.
“There will be no despair in our resolve,” Michel said in a tweet about his arrival in Kiev.
“We will also support (Ukraine) every step of the way in your journey to the EU,” he added as quoted by The Associated Press.
Read: Ukrainian Drones Destroy Russia’s Pride Tor-M2DT Missile System
According to EU officials, the bloc’s aid to Ukraine has totaled nearly $55 billion since the fighting began.
The EU, among other things, provides Ukraine with financial and humanitarian assistance. The bloc also plans to adopt a 10th sanctions package against Russia in the coming weeks.
The EU has also announced it will increase its military training mission for Ukraine, from an initial target of pushing 15,000 troops through the school to 30,000 troops. One focus is on training tank crews which Western countries have offered Ukraine.
