President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held phone calls with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen discussed in detail virtually all current areas of cooperation with the European Union and the decisions needed to support Ukraine.
The Head of State thanked the President of the European Commission for the recent €1.24 billion tranche for defense, which Ukraine has already received, and for confirming that another approximately €3 billion in military support will be allocated as early as next week.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed her on the brutal Russian strikes that continue unabated. The President of Ukraine emphasized that just before their conversation, the Russians had struck a power plant in Kyiv with a “shahed” drone, leaving many districts without power. Later, there were strikes on energy facilities in the Kharkiv region, all of this after the President of the United States made his statement about an energy ceasefire. According to the Head of State, under these circumstances, reliable support from partners means real protection for people's lives and a guarantee that the Russians will not be able to break Ukraine.
“We deeply appreciate all the tangible steps taken to support our defense and our people. Ursula and I agreed that our teams will have detailed discussions on our next joint actions and the coordination of our steps. We are also preparing to open the negotiating clusters – so that all the remaining clusters are opened by the end of the year. Ukraine’s European path is also a path toward strengthening Europe itself,” the President emphasized.
The Head of State discussed the energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump with Mark Carney, Alexander Stubb, and Mark Rutte.
“Ukraine supports this step, and we have stated so, but now we need a response from Russia – what Russia will say to the American President and whether it will stop striking our energy infrastructure. I thank everyone who helps defend Ukraine and advances clear, fair steps toward peace!” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Separately, the Head of State thanked Mark Carney for expressing sympathy to Ukrainians amid the ongoing Russian strikes. The Prime Minister is very well informed about Ukraine’s defense needs, particularly anti-ballistic defense and preparations for winter.
“It is very good that Canada has become actively involved in developing the FREYJA anti-ballistic system jointly with Europe. This is exactly what can provide greater protection not only to Ukraine but also globally,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.