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

Morning opening: How to help Ukraine?

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is in Kyiv today with plans to announce “new initiatives to integrate our defence industries,” a day after both European and Ukrainian armies were involved in the Bastille Day parade in Paris.

“It’s a special moment. Ukraine has built a strong military momentum. The tide is turning,” she said.

Overnight, Ukrainian drones hit 20 Russian vessels in Black Sea, Ukraine said, while Russia targeted Ukrainian ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk.

Curiously, Serbia’s controversial and Moscow-friendly president Aleksander Vucić is also in Kyiv. On Instagram, he said he travelled “all afternoon and night” via Moldova and central Ukraine.

Back in Brussels, far away from official visits, EU ambassadors will be trying to work out the details of the 21st sanctions package for Russia, which was meant to be adopted on Monday.

Some countries are still not sure about some of the proposed measures, including a proposed price cap on Russian oil.

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

We will also hear from Germany’s Friedrich Merz later today, as he is set to give his summer press conference as he desperately tries to improve the ratings of his government. I will keep an eye on that for you.

It’s Wednesday, 15 July 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.

Good morning.