Ursula von der Leyen Visits Kyiv to Discuss European Support Amid Winter Challenges
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Kyiv on September 20, 2023, to reinforce Europe's support for Ukraine as winter approaches. With the Ukrainian energy system severely damaged by ongoing Russian attacks, von der Leyen's visit marks her eighth trip to the capital, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance as the heating season looms. She stated on X, "My eighth visit to Kiev comes as the heating season approaches and Russia continues to attack energy infrastructure," highlighting the critical situation facing Ukrainian citizens during the harsh winter months.
Von der Leyen's discussions are expected to focus on the provision of energy support and military assistance to bolster Ukraine's defense against the relentless Russian offensive. As the conflict continues, the EU's commitment to Ukraine remains vital, especially as the country prepares for a winter that could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis caused by the war.
Ukraine's Military Faces Challenges with Aging Equipment
As Ukraine gears up for the upcoming winter, the military is simultaneously grappling with significant challenges on the battlefield. The formation of new heavy troop units is underway, but the effectiveness of these units is in question due to a lack of modern military vehicles. Reports indicate that many of the newly formed brigades are equipped with outdated equipment, including decades-old tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
The 154th Mechanized Brigade, for instance, is primarily composed of older models such as BMP-1 and BRDM-2 vehicles, which were designed in the 1960s and 1970s. Despite some brigades demonstrating effectiveness—like the 63rd Brigade, which reportedly destroyed ten Russian tanks—Ukrainian officials express concerns over the slow delivery of promised military support from Western allies, which hampers the full operational capability of new units. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously criticized these delays, stating that they stall the formation of new brigades essential for the ongoing conflict.
In response to these challenges, Ukraine is planning to establish more brigades, drawing on the experience of troops and Ukrainians living abroad to enhance its military capacity. Training will occur at Western military facilities, aiming to prepare these units for service by 2025, with the expectation of receiving modern Western weaponry to strengthen their operational capabilities.
