Day 344 of the Invasion of Ukraine: Von der Leyen visits Kyiv, Russian Officer witnessed Brutal Torture of Ukrainians (UPDATED)

Here are the highlights of events related to the war in Ukraine over the past 24 hours:

Von der Leyen in Kyiv: So far, the EU has provided 50 billion euros to Ukraine

"Europe has been on Ukraine's side from day one and will remain on Ukraine's side going forward, not only during the war, but afterwards for the recovery." This was said by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during a meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv with 15 EU commissioners to discuss cooperation in more than 20 areas.

The first topic in the talks is ensuring the economic security of Ukraine so that the country can continue to function. Von der Leyen recalled that 2 weeks ago the first tranche of the financial aid of 18 billion euros for 2023 was provided. In general, the economic, humanitarian and military support of the European Union to Ukraine amounts to almost 50 billion euros, and together with the military aid from individual countries reaches 66 billion.

The High Representative for Security and Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell announced that the EU will double the size of the training mission for the Ukrainian army. By the end of the year, 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers will be trained, including how to work with Leopard tanks.

The European Commissioners and the Ukrainian ministers are also discussing the provision of the country's energy security. Brussels will supply 30 million energy-saving light bulbs, with the first deliveries already made. 2,400 generators and solar panels for public buildings, hospitals and schools will also be supplied. Ukraine will be able to participate in the joint procurement of gas that the member states organize.

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