"We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe" - Von der Leyen

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 24 on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

"We are in Kyiv today, because Ukraine is Europe," von der Leyen said on X.

"In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny."

European leaders are arriving in Kyiv for a summit of Ukraine's partners to discuss the country's strategy on negotiations and security guarantees.

Thirteen leaders are expected to arrive in person, and 24 would join the event online, President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed at a press conference on Feb. 23.