Ukraine to be fully integrated into EU air defense, drone priorities, von der Leyen says
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine will be fully integrated into Europe’s air defense, drone and counter-drone efforts, following a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky. She reiterated Europe’s full support as Russia intensifies its war, and said the Ukraine Support Loan would provide €28.3 billion ($32.9 billion) this year for Kyiv’s military needs. The move marks a shift from emergency aid toward long-term defense cooperation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine will be fully integrated into Europe’s air defense, drone and counter-drone efforts, marking a shift from emergency military aid toward long-term defense cooperation.
Von der Leyen made the statement after a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky. “On the phone with President Zelensky, I reiterated Europe’s full support for Ukraine as Russia doubles down on its brutal war of aggression,” she wrote on X.
She identified air defense, drones and counter-drone capabilities as among Europe’s most urgent defense priorities, noting that Ukraine has gained extensive battlefield experience in these areas during Russia’s full-scale invasion. “And Ukraine will be fully integrated into these efforts,” von der Leyen said.
The Ukraine Support Loan will provide €28.3 billion ($32.9 billion) this year to help cover Ukraine’s military needs, von der Leyen said, calling it a “vital contribution.”
Von der Leyen and Zelensky also discussed Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. The European Commission chief said the coming weeks would be important for making progress in the accession process.