EU chief hails 'courageous' Ukraine on Europe Day visit to Kyivbr br "Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe" says Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, while on a symbolic visit to Kyiv on May 9, 2023 (Wednesday in Manila) to mark Europe Day. Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Von der Leyen accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "attempting to destroy" European values with his invasion of Ukraine.