German, French, and Italian leaders -- all criticized by Kiev for their support in the past -- visited Ukraine jointly on Thursday to show their solidarity.
Despite the massive Russian bombardment in Sievierodonetsk, Ukrainian officials say their forces are still standing. They also claim that they are making progress in the southern counteroffensive.
According to them, the battle on both main fronts would not be possible without more Western help, especially artillery to counter Russia's large firepower advantage.
Still, the move by the three to travel together held strong symbolism at a pivotal moment—a day before the EU’s executive commission is expected to recommend pushing forward with Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc, which EU leaders are expected to endorse at a summit next week.
“It’s an important moment. It’s a message of unity we’re sending to the Ukrainians,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after pulling into Kyiv on an overnight train along with Germany’s Olaf Scholz and Italy’s Mario Draghi. They were also joined by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
16 June 2022
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