European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a loan of up to 35 billion euros ($39 billion) for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv on Friday, saying it was needed to defend the country against Russian attacks and help it get through the winter.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to visit Kiev on Friday, she announced in Brussels on Thursday. The commission president wants to discuss help for Ukraine's energy supply ahead of the winter season with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,

The EU will grant a loan of up to 35 billion euros ($39.06 billion)to Ukraine to help the country stuck in a grinding war with Russia, EU Commission President Ursulo von der Leyen announced on Friday.