
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deaths of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha showed the "cruel face" of Russian President Vladimir Putin's army and promised to support Kiev in protecting the "border of Europe".
Ms von der Leyen visited the city, where Ukrainian officials say hundreds of civilians were killed by Russian forces, during a visit to Ukraine along with EU chief diplomat Josep Borell.
Before going to Buca they visited Kiev to offer Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy support and security regarding his application for EU membership.
Travelling by train from Brussels to Kiev, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters that the most important message she was bringing to Mr Zelenskiy was that "there will be a path to the EU" for Ukraine.
"It usually takes years before the EU Council accepts an application for membership, but Ukraine did so within a week or two and I want us to move forward as quickly as possible," she said.
"Our goal is to present Ukraine's request to the council this summer."
EU chief diplomat Borell told reporters the visit was a signal that "Ukraine has control of its territory" and the government continues to lead the country.
"Ukraine is not a conquered, dominated country. There is still a government waiting for people from abroad and can travel to Kiev," Mr Borell said.