The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
Dress code for EU leaders ahead of Kyiv: "Jacket, not khaki"
An internal message about the dress code has circulated ahead of the EU delegation's trip to Kyiv these days, writes Politico.
The message is clear, according to the political site that has seen the message: Blazer, not "green, khaki or too colorful".
The intention seems to be to leave the military look to the host country and President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, who is often seen in an army green t-shirt. Last year, many wondered whether France's Emmanuel Macron was trying to copy Zelensky's apparently casual style of dress as he wore a hoodie and jeans to his office.
The instructions to the EU delegates also state that there is limited time for changes during the stay. Light packing (“a backpack or equivalent”) is recommended and it is best to leave the briefcase at home.
It is the first time that an EU meeting of this kind has been held in an active war zone.
the invasion
Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelensky. AP
The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
"A year of suffering, but also of legendary courage"
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj in Kyiv on Thursday.
On the anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion, February 24, a tenth package of sanctions will be in place, von der Leyen announced at a press conference.
- It has been a year of suffering, but also of legendary courage from the Ukrainian people. This is a battle between democracies against an authoritarian regime. The whole EU stands with Ukraine in this, for a long time to come, she said.
Ukraine wants to see quick entry into the EU, something most observers see as unlikely.
- Every step towards closer unification of Ukraine and the EU inspires our citizens, Zelenskyy said at the press conference.
Ursula von der Leyen. Ursula von der Leyen on Twitter
The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
EU summits in place in Kyiv to deepen ties
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived this morning by train in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv.
"Nice to be back in Kyiv, my fourth trip since Russia's invasion," she writes on Twitter.
15 other commissioners, including Sweden's Ylva Johansson and Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, are part of the EU delegation.
Discussions between the Commission and the Government of Ukraine await during the day. It is then followed tomorrow by a formal summit where von der Leyen, EU Council President Charles Michel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet.
The EU delegation is expected to bring with it promises to double the EU's training efforts for Ukrainian soldiers during the year and increased support for demining. In addition, talks are expected about scrapped roaming charges.
Media such as Politico and the Financial Times have reported that the meeting is also a way to deal with Ukraine's high expectations for a quick entry into the EU, something that many in the EU establishment see as unlikely.
F-16 takes off from US air base in Germany, file photo. Boris Roessler / AP
The Russian invasion. The outside world's response
NATO decision may prompt Poland to send F-16s to Ukraine
Poland would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine if a decision is made jointly by NATO. This is what Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says in an interview with the German Bild.
- My assessment is based on what the NATO countries decide together.
Shortly after the West agreed to send heavy tanks to Ukraine, Kyiv moved to request fighter jets.
The US currently rules this out, but other countries have been more open, including Slovakia and the Netherlands.
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