Significant Announcement Expected w/Macron, Scholz, Draghi In Kyiv

With French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Mario Draghi, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visiting Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expectations are for a notable announcement from the senior EU leaders either regarding military support for Ukraine or Ukraine's progress in seeking EU candidate status.

• Previously, Scholz had stated that he would travel to Kyiv if there were substantive discussions to be held or if there was a notable announcement to be made, rather than for 'a photo opportunity'.
• Some concerns in Kyiv and among Russia hawks in the West that the three leaders, notably Macron and Scholz, may seek to encourage Ukraine to accept some territorial losses in exchange for a negotiated peace. Nations such as the US and UK are maintaining a stance that Russia must be 'defeated'.
• Already signs of division within EU on Ukraine's potential candidate status. Draghi a vocal supporter, stating previously that “I support Ukraine to become a member of the European Union, and I have done so from the start". Macron stated in a visit to Moldova that he wants to give a 'clear and positive signal' to Chisinau and Kyiv on their potential candidate status. However, Scholz, speaking earlier in the week alongside the Slovakian PM, refused to give backing to Ukraine's potential candidate status.