European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 20 to discuss Ukraine's energy needs ahead of the coming winter.
"My 8th visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season starts soon, and Russia keeps targeting energy infrastructure," von der Leyen said on X.
"We will help Ukraine in its brave efforts," the chief of the EU's executive arm said, adding she will discuss Europe's support "from winter preparedness to defense, to accession and progress on the G7 loans."
In his evening address on Sept. 19, Zelensky said he is expecting "important talks" with von der Leyen as Ukraine braces for what some warn might be the "sternest" winter of the war yet.
While announcing her visit to Kyiv during a press briefing in Brussels, von der Leyen pledged to help cover 25% of the 17 gigawatts of capacity Ukraine needs this winter through electricity exports and by helping to repair infrastructure damaged in Russian attacks.
The EU will also support Ukraine with 160 million euros ($178 million), including 60 million euros ($67 million) for humanitarian aid such as shelters and heaters and 100 million euros ($111 million) for repairing energy infrastructure and developing renewable energy.
Roughly 100 million euros of that is covered by profits from Russian assets immobilized on European accounts.
Russia launched nine coordinated attacks against Ukraine's electricity infrastructure between March and the end of August, striking facilities in 20 oblasts.
Von der Leyen will also address Ukraine's accession process, which switched to a higher gear with the formal start of membership talks in June. As another item on the agenda, EU and Ukrainian officials will discuss the G7 loan of $50 billion covered by proceeds from Russian assets that Kyiv was supposed to receive by the end of the year.
The plan now stands on shaky ground as the U.S., which was supposed to shoulder $20 billion of the sum, is reluctant to commit unless the EU extends the sanctions immobilizing Russian assets. Such a step requires a unanimous vote, which is currently being blocked by Hungary, the EU's most Kremlin-proximate member.
Martin Fornusek
