Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv to announce new defence initiatives as Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes – Europe live | Ukraine

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is in Kiev today, planning to announce “new initiatives to integrate our defense industries”, a day after both European and Ukrainian militaries took part in the Bastille Day parade in Paris.

“This is a special moment. Ukraine has gained strong military momentum. The tide is turning,he said.

Ukraine said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles hit 20 Russian ships in the Black Sea during the night, while Russia targeted the Ukrainian ports of Odessa and Chornomorsk.

Interestingly, the controversial and Moscow-friendly president of Serbia Aleksander Vucic it is also in Kiev. He said on Instagram that he had been traveling through Moldova and central Ukraine “all afternoon and night”.

In Brussels, away from official visits, EU ambassadors will try to resolve the details of the 21st sanctions package against Russia. It was supposed to be accepted on Monday.

Some countries are still unsure of some of the recommended measures. Including a price ceiling for Russian oil.

Let’s see if they can make good progress this morning. I will bring the latest developments here.

We will also hear from Germany Friedrich Merz He is preparing to hold his summer press conference later today as he desperately tries to improve his government’s ratings. I will take care of this for you.

His Wednesday, July 15, 2026his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.

Good morning.