Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with a delegation of the European External Action Service (EEAS) led by Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security and Defense David Cvach.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis, and EEAS Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defense Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss.
The Ukrainian side provided an update on the battlefield situation and a specific list of needs for countering Russian aggression.
Ihor Zhovkva noted the significant contribution of the EU and its member states to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including through the European Union loan. Ukraine has already received €8.4 billion. Another €28 billion is expected by the end of the year for urgent military needs, including strengthening air defense, procuring drones produced in Ukraine, ammunition, and other needs. The parties also discussed possible steps by the EU to cover the $27 billion shortfall in Ukraine’s defense budget.
“We are grateful to the European Union and its member states for their unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Today, this is not only about helping Ukraine, but above all about joint investment in Europe-wide security,” the Deputy Head of the Office of the President emphasized.
The Ukrainian side separately highlighted the role of SAFE. It is important that a significant share of the planned funding go toward strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and facilitating Ukraine’s integration into the European defense industry, including through the establishment of joint ventures.
Ukraine also expects EU member states to reach a decision as soon as possible on using the available resources of the European Peace Facility, including for joint defense procurement.
The parties also discussed work on the FREYJA anti-ballistic program and the involvement of European companies in joint efforts to counter ballistic threats.
Particular attention was paid to the need for an appropriate response to Russia’s missile and drone terror. Ukraine expects sanctions to be imposed on companies involved in the production of Russian missiles and drones that have not yet been subject to restrictive measures.
“All the information necessary to make such decisions has already been collected,” Ihor Zhovkva emphasized.
The Deputy Head of the Office of the President also stressed that there can be no discussion whatsoever of easing sanctions against Russian businesspeople. According to him, pressure must only be increased, because this is the only way to end this war.
The parties also discussed the increase in Russian attacks on ports and civilian shipping and the threat to global food security.
The parties noted the importance of continuing to coordinate steps to implement key joint initiatives in the areas of security and defense.