EU Ombudsman Launches Probe Into von der Leyen Over Private Chat With Zelenskyy.

Investigation Targeting Ursula von der Leyen

According to Espreso.tv: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is under investigation following her involvement in a closed group chat that included top European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The probe focuses on whether the public should have access to the information exchanged in that private channel. Other participants in the group conversation include:

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
• French President Emmanuel Macron
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

On June 9, von der Leyen made an official announcement regarding the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, stating:

“The European Commission has officially presented the 21st sanctions package against Russia.”

Why the Investigation Matters

The inquiry aims to assess how accessible the content of this group chat should be to the public, raising key questions about transparency and accountability among high-ranking officials. European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho is expected to play a central role in this process, reinforcing the need for openness in government communications.

The outcome of this investigation could significantly influence how senior EU officials and their international partners, including Ukraine, communicate in the future. Greater transparency in such matters may help strengthen public trust in EU institutions and improve perceptions of their work. As Europe continues to face ongoing security challenges, the need for clear and open dialogue becomes even more critical.