The European Union will make billions of euros available to help central Europe recover from severe floods, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, as she pledged support for regions that have been devastated by the deluge.

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

Ursula von der Leyen said the EU "will help Ukraine in its brave efforts" and that would include winter preparations, EU accession and progress on G7 loans. DW has more.