European Commission chief visits Ukraine to mull aid

 

by IANS |

Kyiv, Sep 20 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that she is in Kyiv to discuss the European Union's (EU) support for the country.


She will discuss with Ukrainian authorities issues on defence and preparations for the upcoming winter and heating season, von der Leyen said on social media X.


She said Ukraine's path toward EU accession and the possibility of securing loans from the Group of Seven will also be topics of discussion, Xinhua news agency reported.


The visit marks her eighth trip to Ukraine. On Thursday, von der Leyen announced an allocation of 160 million euros ($178 million) in energy assistance to help Ukraine repair damaged energy infrastructure.


Ukraine needs 17 GW of power to get through this winter, she said. According to the Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper, the new EU funds aim to restore 2.5 GW or about 15 per cent of the country's energy supply ahead of winter.


Ukrainians will face power outages lasting between 4-18 hours a day, said Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

Latest News
Conditions have helped bowlers, but want to prove our mettle as a batting unit, says Rizwan Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 10:50 AM
Chile manager Gareca seeking fresh start against Peru Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 10:41 AM
PM Modi pays tribute to Pandit Nehru on 135th birth anniversary Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 10:34 AM
3rd T20I: Tilak's 107 not out, Arshdeep's 3-37 ensure India beat South Africa by 11 runs Thu, Nov 14, 2024, 10:22 AM
Flights between Australia, Indonesia grounded by volcanic ash clouds Wed, Nov 13, 2024, 03:58 PM