Von der Leyen in Kyiv, New Defense Agreement on the Table

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on July 15, 2026, for discussions centered on a new defense agreement with Ukraine. Her visit underscores the European Union's continued support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

Von der Leyen was joined by several leaders from Southeast Europe, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Their presence highlights regional cooperation and a unified stance on security matters concerning Ukraine and the broader European continent.

The talks are expected to cover key aspects of future defense cooperation, potentially including joint initiatives, military aid, and long-term security commitments. The specifics of the proposed agreement were not detailed in the initial report, but the meeting signifies a deepening of ties between the EU and Ukraine.

This visit follows previous engagements aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities and integrating it further into European security structures. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to shape the future of defense collaboration and reinforce Ukraine's resilience.