Zelenskyy announced talks with the EU on airspace protection
Ukraine will hold talks with its European partners this week on the creation of a joint airspace defense system.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this in an address marking Ukrainian Gunsmith Day.
“As early as this week, we will have talks with Europeans—negotiations on creating a joint air defense system. I am confident: either Ukraine will become an integral part of the European security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the ‘Russian world,’” he said.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is not only keeping pace with changes but is among the leaders in the development of security technologies. The President believes that Ukrainian security experience and military expertise are now the most sought-after assets for dozens of countries around the world.
“But we are building new cooperation with partners on weapons differently than in the ’90s or 2000s, when Ukrainian weapons and military capabilities were sold off like on Black Friday. We are not holding a sale of our weapons and we are not emptying our warehouses. We are offering a security partnership—one that is long-term and profitable for Ukraine,” the Ukrainian head of state stated.
He noted that Ukrainian interceptors are already operating in the Middle East and the Gulf states and that Ukraine is creating a strong, integrated air defense system comprising multiple components.
“Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have their own air defense systems against ballistic and other missiles. But—combined with our military expertise—they have the solutions to defend against ‘Shaheds,’ to detect this threat, and to respond on a large scale. Radar coverage, the necessary electronic warfare systems, communication between air defense components, and the interception itself—Ukraine is capable of doing all of this. We are also in communication with Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, and Syria,” Zelenskyy said.
The President noted that countries in Asia and Africa are interested in Ukraine’s experience.
He noted that Ukraine also has experience in ensuring maritime security, “objectively the most recent in the world.”
“No one else has carried out such missions as the Ukrainians have in the Black Sea. When people talk about security in the Strait of Hormuz, it’s often just theoretical talk. Those who engage in them have not carried out such operations themselves. Ukrainians have. We fought against the enemy fleet, airstrikes, and sea mines—we have gone through all of this,” Zelenskyy stated.
The president said that if partners offer Ukraine equal cooperation, Ukraine can help.
“Our Sea Baby, Magura, and Sargan naval drones are well-known to many, and this is also a key part of our Ukrainian exports. Just like our artillery, which we produce on the largest scale in Europe. Just like our shells, of which there are now more and more. Just like our ‘armor’—‘armor’ that becomes more effective every year. All of this is provided by our defense industry—our defenders, our Ukrainian arms manufacturers,” he said.
Zelenskyy is convinced that Ukraine is a global producer of strength and security: “That is the case, and it will remain so.”
“And none of this is a gift from Ukraine. Long-term security agreements in the Middle East provide funding for our state every year; they are the fuel Ukraine needs amid global instability. They also include the types of weapons we lack but our partners possess. We support those who support us; we work so that everyone becomes stronger,” the President said.
Zelenskyyawarded over a thousand defenders of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy awardedscholarships to the children of deceased journalists.
Zelenskyyawarded 34 Ukrainians on Volunteer Day.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored 362 military personnel with state awards, 176 of them posthumously. The awards were granted for courage, dedication, and the defense of the country’s sovereignty. Among the honors are orders, medals, and the “Cross of Military Merit.”
