A summit between the European Union and Ukraine is organized Friday in Kyiv in the presence of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell and the President of the European Council Charles Michel. Follow live the latest developments on the war in Ukraine.
Kiev hosts summit with EU amid Russian offensive
Candidate for EU membership, Ukraine is hosting a summit on Friday with European representatives, “a strong symbol” according to the Commission of the support of the Twenty-Seven “in the face of the unjustified aggression” of Russia, which recently regained ground to the east.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, accompanied by the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell and around fifteen European commissioners. “Good to be back in Kiev, my fourth time since the Russian invasion and this time with my team of stewards,” she tweeted. We are here together to show that the EU stands firmly with Ukraine.
Good to be back in Kiev, my 4th time since Russia’s invasion.
This time, with my team of Commissioners.
We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as firmly as ever.
And to deepen further our support and cooperation.
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12:12 a.m.: Germany approves sending Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine</h2> <p>The German government has approved the delivery of Leopard 1 tanks from industrial stocks to Ukraine, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Friday, adding that Berlin was discussing with Qatar the purchase of 15 Gepard tanks. Citing government sources, the newspaper said the Leopard tanks could be sent to Ukraine as soon as the vehicles are operational.
The Rheinmetall and Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) group wants to recondition dozens of Leopard 1 tanks in order to offer Kiev to buy them, it is added.
According to the newspaper, several German representatives have started discussions with the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a possible purchase of 15 Gepard tanks that Doha had procured ahead of the 2022 Football World Cup in order to secure its stadiums.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that "the Gepards have demonstrated their effectiveness in the war in Ukraine. If we could get more from our partners, it would definitely help the Ukrainians”, according to comments reported by the newspaper.
