EU chief von der Leyen to visit Ukraine in show of support

Speaking to Ms Zelenska during her speech, Ms von der Leyen said "you have given courage to a whole nation." 

Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, with Ursula von der Leyen ahead of the annual state of the union address.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a surprise visit to Kyiv later on Wednesday to show the bloc’s support for Ukraine as it fights back against the Russian invasion.

Dressed in the colours of Ukraine, Ms von der Leyen said during her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg that the bloc would come to the aid of Ukraine by opening its seamless single market more to Ukrainian products.