In Ankara, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal. During the meeting, the leaders signed a defense cooperation agreement under the Drone Deal framework. This is already the seventh Drone Deal Ukraine has concluded with its partners.
The Head of State thanked the people of Estonia for their continued support for Ukraine throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“This agreement is not only a way to accelerate cooperation between our countries. It is also a step forward and a sign of trust, as we are signing such an agreement with a very close friend, which means a lot. Of course, we are also always grateful for your strong support – military and humanitarian – as well as for your steps aimed at ensuring continued support for Ukraine on our path toward the EU and NATO,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Prime Minister of Estonia noted that the Drone Deal is an important document that strengthens the partnership between the two countries.
“Cooperation at such an industrial level is very important to us because you are the best in this field, and we want to cooperate,” he said.
The Drone Deal provides for the development of the defense industry, technological cooperation, and the exchange of experience and intelligence. Ukraine and Estonia will develop joint military production and launch new production facilities in both countries. In particular, this includes the production of air defense capabilities, drones, sensor systems and early warning systems, ammunition, battlefield management systems, and maritime capabilities.
The President also briefed the Prime Minister on Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts with partners.
The leaders discussed support for Ukraine on its path toward the European Union, including the opening of the remaining five negotiation clusters. Estonia’s position is clear: Ukraine must become a full member of the EU. According to Kristen Michal, there are no substantive reasons to block the clusters, as Ukraine has done everything necessary for them to be opened.
