Ukraine will strengthen its air defense capabilities and launch a new phase of defense cooperation with Europe
Ukraine is preparing for a new phase of strengthening its air defense capabilities and expanding defense cooperation with European partners, particularly in the area of joint production of drones and air defense systems.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while commenting on the consequences of Russian airstrikes.
According to the head of state, Ukraine is working to ensure a further strengthening of its defense capabilities in the near future.
“Based on the results of this week, we will provide Ukraine with opportunities for further strengthening through joint work with Europeans on drones and joint production,” the president noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that strengthening air defense systems remains a key priority, particularly the supply of missiles and means for intercepting aerial targets. He stressed that the Russian Federation continues to carry out massive strikes on Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties.
The President reported that Ukraine already has agreements with Germany and Norway to strengthen its air defense, specifically regarding the supply of PAC-2 missiles and additional launchers for the IRIS-T systems. Work is also continuing under the PURL program, which enables the procurement of necessary anti-ballistic missiles.
“We are also working to ensure that here in Europe, together with our partners, we can produce all the necessary air defense systems, the missiles for them, and every type of drone—without which effective defense in modern warfare is impossible,” Zelenskyy concluded.
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov held talks with his Belgian and Spanish counterparts ahead of the next meeting in the “Ramstein” format. The parties agreed on key areas of cooperation to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov also held a working meeting with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, during which the parties agreed on large-scale military support.
