In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. During the meeting, the two leaders signed a document that marks the first step toward the Drone Deal.
The Head of State thanked Ursula von der Leyen and all European partners for their support of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war. The President also highlighted the European Union's record financial, political, and defense assistance to Ukraine.
"It also reflects the determination of both Ukraine and Europe to complete the journey toward Ukraine's full membership in the European Union. Today, everyone in Europe agrees: we deserve to become a full member of the EU," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The leaders discussed in detail the work needed to open the remaining four clusters in accession talks, as well as the need to adopt the European Union's 21st sanctions package. According to Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission will support the opening of the remaining clusters for Ukraine.
"I am confident that thanks to our joint pressure, thanks to our cooperation with Europe and the United States, and thanks to our people, we will achieve peace. And we will live in peace together – in a united, strong Europe," the Head of State said.
Particular focus was placed on defense cooperation and preparations for the Drone Deal. The Presidents signed the Letter of Intent on a Strategic Defense Industrial Partnership between Ukraine and the European Commission.
"Today, we also have the first document underpinning the Drone Deal – a major defense agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. This is a historic step in our relationship. We also look forward to EU financial support for our anti-ballistic program, which we launched in France the day before yesterday," the President noted.
Ursula von der Leyen noted that Ukraine and the European Union will deepen their defense cooperation, which, in particular, will help increase drone production.
"We are not only developing the next generation of drone systems together – we will also produce them faster than ever before – so that Ukraine gets everything it needs today, while Europe has the capabilities it will need tomorrow," the President of the European Commission emphasized.
She also announced an additional €1 billion for drone production under the European Union's €90 billion loan package. Earlier, €4 billion from the same package had already been allocated to support the relevant drone effort.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen also discussed Ukraine's preparations for winter, with the energy sector remaining an unwavering priority. The President of the European Commission emphasized that the European Commission will continue supporting Ukraine's energy sector and strengthening the country's infrastructure.