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.

The European Commission president has pitched herself as the answer to the question: ‘who do I call if I want to speak to Europe?’

"Relentless Russian attacks means Ukraine needs continued EU support," the chief of the EU's executive arm said during her visit to Kyiv.

The EU will grant a loan of up to 35 billion euros ($39 billion)to Ukraine to help the country stuck in a grinding war with Russia, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled Tuesday the 26 names of her picks for the new commission that will govern the European Union for the next five years.

An influential French member of the European Union’s powerful executive branch has resigned. Thierry Breton posted his resignation letter on social media on Monday.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday named a new team to lead the European Union's most powerful institution for the next five years and tackle challenges to the region's security,

Ursula von der Leyen has announced a multi-billion initiative to help Kyiv plug the hole in its state budget and procure more weapons.

Ursula von der Leyen said the loan would come from frozen Russian assets. The EU Commission president also said the EU "will help Ukraine in its brave efforts" including winter preparation and EU accession.