The European Union’s top official signed an agreement on Wednesday to enhance joint weapons production with Ukraine, highlighting that Kyiv’s defence against Russia’s four-year invasion is vital for Europe. Ukraine has shifted from seeking military support to sharing its advanced weapons expertise with the West. However, it still needs help boosting its domestic production, particularly of air defence systems capable of countering Russian ballistic missiles.
During Ukraine’s Statehood Day celebrations and the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine on Mykhailivska Square, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership, reflecting concerns about Russia’s broader intentions in the region. Zelenskyy also presented the Order of Europe to von der Leyen. It is a new state award established by the Head of State on Constitution Day and presented for the first time during this event.
“Today, Ukraine’s fight is not only a fight for your own freedom. It is an existential fight for Europe’s freedoms — for its values, its self-determination,” Von der Leyen said in a speech in Kyiv’s St. Michael’s Square.
“You are not only fighting for your own future but for the security of our entire continent,“ she told a crowd.
The European Union and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent to establish joint drone and anti-drone production by the end of this year. Furthermore, they aim to collaborate on the production of anti-ballistic missiles by 2028, alongside broader support for defence manufacturing initiatives.
In pursuit of enhanced security, Ukraine is seeking European Union membership, a process expected to take several years. During the NATO summit last week, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will grant Ukraine a license to manufacture its own Patriot air defence systems, which are essential for countering ballistic missile threats.
President Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Ukraine will acquire the technical capabilities to produce these advanced missiles by the end of this year. However, this development may take several years to realise fully.
Ukraine celebrates its sovereignty amid the Russian war
Ursula von der Leyen and other dignitaries, including the presidents of Moldova and Romania, marked Ukraine’s Statehood Day, celebrating the country’s sovereignty. Since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the all-out invasion in 2022, Ukraine has faced significant threats. The ongoing war has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and the destruction of cities. Concerns persist about a potential escalation between Russia and NATO, which supports Kyiv.
Senior officials from southeastern European countries gathered in Kyiv to discuss regional security and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Recently, President Zelenskyy secured pledges of further assistance from the G7 and the Coalition of the Willing.
Von der Leyen noted her 11th visit to Ukraine during the war, highlighting the EU’s commitment of billions of euros in support. She pledged help in strengthening Ukraine’s air defences for the winter months, as Russia often targets critical infrastructure with missiles.
“Energy remains an unwavering priority,” Zelenskyy stated.
Reports indicate that Ukraine’s attacks are effectively disrupting Russia’s supply lines and causing fuel shortages.
“It’s a special moment,“ Von der Leyen said on social media. “Ukraine has built a strong military momentum. The tide is turning.”
Washington appeared poised to increase economic pressure on Moscow as a proposed Russia sanctions bill was unveiled in the US Senate following Saturday’s death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of its chief backers. The bill, which its authors had hoped to pass last summer but was held up by White House reservations, would impose steep tariffs on goods from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas and other exports.
Wednesday’s official ceremonies came at a delicate political moment for Zelenskyy as he manages a major government reshuffle. Meanwhile, Serbia’s Moscow-friendly president, Aleksandar Vucic, was attending the Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv. Serbia, which relies almost fully on Russia for its energy supplies, has refused to join Western sanctions on Moscow, although it officially supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
