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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kiev on Friday with promises of sustained EU support for Ukraine, including aid for what will be another harsh winter.
“My 8th visit to Kiev comes as the heating season begins soon, and Russia continues to address the energy infrastructure,” von der Leyen said in a post on X with a photo of her at the station trains
“We will help Ukraine in its brave efforts. I come here to discuss Europe’s support. From winter preparations to defense, to accession and progress on G7 loans.”
The EU leader will discuss aid for Ukraine’s energy supply with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Friday.
The EU will provide an additional 160 million euros ($178 million) to Ukraine to help repair damaged energy infrastructure, expand renewable energy and fund shelters, von der Leyen said before her trip .
The Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) warned this week that the coming winter could be the toughest yet.
As Russia increases its attacks on Ukrainian power plants, heating plants and transmission networks, the country’s energy infrastructure is under significant pressure, the IEA noted.
“Strains that are bearable in the summer months can become unbearable when temperatures begin to drop and heat and water supplies falter, causing further displacement of affected populations across the country and abroad” , the energy agency said.