While the campaign goes on in France, Macron goes to Kyiv (finally), together with Scholz and Draghi.

German, French, Italian leaders arrive in Kyiv to show solidarity

KYIV, June 16 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in Kiyv on Thursday on a joint trip to show their backing for Ukraine as it struggles to withstand a Russian assault.

BFM TV showed live footage of the overnight train arriving in the Ukrainian capital.

The visit has taken weeks to organise with the three men looking to overcome criticism within Ukraine over their response to the war.

"It's an important moment. It's a message of unity we're sending to the Ukrainians," Macron said as he arrived in Kyiv.

Asked why the visit was taking place now, an Elysee official said they had considered it was best to do it just before an EU summit next week that is due to discuss Kiyv's bid to join the 27-naton bloc.

[Train blogging nostalgia]

Emmanuel Macron arrivé à Kiev avec Mario Draghi et Olaf Scholz https://t.co/g7ugvrP8E5 pic.twitter.com/wwaR9CTWyb

— Dr Jean Pierre Laroche #vacciné4.0 (@Echoraljpangio) June 16, 2022