Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is set to visit Ukraine on Monday, coinciding with the four-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. Brussels is actively working on its 20th sanctions package against Moscow, with hopes to finalize it even as EU diplomats struggled to reach an agreement on the measures in recent discussions. The urgency of these sanctions is underscored by the ongoing conflict and the impact on Russia's economy.

In addition to von der Leyen's visit, EU Chief Diplomat Kaia Kallas has emphasized that the Union is determined to move forward with the new sanctions, despite previous setbacks in negotiations among ambassadors. This continued pressure is part of a comprehensive strategy by the EU to weaken Russia's capacity to sustain its military efforts in Ukraine. Kallas pointed out that the sanctions have already inflicted significant damage on the Russian economy, suggesting that each new measure introduced enhances this effect.

The meeting of the European Defense Ministers in Krakow, Poland, which includes key nations such as France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK, reflects the collective aim to bolster military support for Ukraine and coordinate strategies against Russian aggression. As the anniversary of the invasion approaches, these diplomatic efforts are pivotal not only for Ukraine's defense but also for the broader stability and security of Europe in the face of Russian military expansion.