On their first day in office, newly appointed European Council President António Costa, High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos

traveled to Kyiv on Sunday. This symbolic visit underscores the European Union’s continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The European leaders are set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss various forms of support for Ukraine, including humanitarian, financial, military, and diplomatic aid. “We are here to deliver a clear message: we stand with Ukraine and fully support its fight for sovereignty,” Costa said. Talks will also cover Ukraine's future EU membership and its broader European aspirations.

The visit occurs amid heightened tensions between Moscow and the West. Recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, using US and British missiles, have provoked Russian retaliation, including the deployment of experimental hypersonic missiles and large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Moscow has also escalated nuclear threats.

“The situation in Ukraine is dire, but it’s evident that the conflict is taking a significant toll on Russia as well,” remarked Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s prime minister before taking on her new role.

Since the Russian invasion began nearly three years ago, European nations have provided approximately $125 billion in aid to Ukraine, with the United States contributing $90 billion. However, the future of US assistance is uncertain following Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president in January.

Kallas emphasized the strategic importance of continued support, stating, “Aid for Ukraine is not charity. A Russian victory would embolden authoritarian regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea.” The EU plans to adopt a transactional approach to persuade the new US administration of the necessity of maintaining support for Kyiv.

Costa, Kallas, and Kos officially assumed their roles at midnight, joining the European Commission team led by President Ursula von der Leyen. Costa succeeds Charles Michel of Belgium as European Council President, while Kallas replaces Josep Borrell of Spain as High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Their visit to Kyiv signals a strong start to their leadership, highlighting the EU’s commitment to Ukraine amid one of Europe’s most significant geopolitical crises. Photo by FraLiss, Wikimedia commons.