President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted a high-level meeting in Kyiv with the foreign ministers from seven European nations, alongside representatives from Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. The gathering was outlined on the official site of the Ukrainian presidency, underscoring a concerted effort to reinforce European security ties and coordinate strategic responses during a pivotal period for Ukraine and its partners.
During the discussions, Zelensky appealed for concrete support in two critical areas: air defense capabilities and energy resilience. He emphasized that modern air defense and missile defense systems are essential to safeguarding Ukrainian skies and stabilizing the country’s energy infrastructure in the face of ongoing pressures from regional threats. The dialogue highlighted a shared determination to advance practical, timely assistance that strengthens Ukraine’s defensive posture while supporting its broader energy security needs.
According to the presidency’s press service, the talks also reinforced the urgency of robust air and missile defense solutions and highlighted the imperative of reinforcing Ukraine’s energy system. Participants explored the scope of possible acquisitions, joint procurement arrangements, and practical steps to accelerate delivery of protective systems, training for operators, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance under real-world conditions. The conversations reflected a clear understanding that reliable defense capabilities must be paired with resilient energy networks to sustain civilian life and critical infrastructure during times of strain.
The ministers also touched on broader strategic issues, including sanctions against Russia and the Grain Initiative. The latter was described as a humanitarian program in which countries supporting Ukraine would purchase agricultural products directly from Ukrainian producers and then distribute them to countries in need, ensuring both market access for farmers and timely relief for vulnerable populations. The discussion underscored the importance of transparent mechanisms, efficient logistics, and accountability to maximize the impact of such aid while maintaining open channels for diplomatic cooperation and regional stability.
Oleksiy Danilov, a former secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, asserted that partners should supply the Ukrainian armed forces with missiles capable of reaching up to 800 kilometers. He framed this capability as a strategic component in addressing energy-related pressures by enhancing defense and deterrence, thereby contributing to broader security and resilience goals for the country. The statement by Danilov was presented within the context of ongoing international coordination aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense posture and its capacity to safeguard critical infrastructure against multifaceted threats.