Overview

• President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen made a surprise visit to Kyiv to praise Ukraine's progress towards EU accession, highlighting the country's economic and judicial reforms despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
• The upcoming report by von der Leyen, expected to be published on Wednesday, will significantly contribute to the EU's decision to start EU accession negotiations with Ukraine.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has made EU membership a top priority of his administration, affirmed Ukraine's progress emblematic of their ability to accomplish great things when working together and in pursuit of their independence.
• There are escalating debates in US Congress over additional financial support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, meanwhile Zelensky denies any pressure from the US or EU to enter peace negotiations with Russia.
• This visit by von der Leyen comes as Ukraine continues to rely heavily on US military assistance amidst growing concerns over the fatigue of its troops and the ongoing war in its south and east region.