Ukraine, EU push forward Drone Deal, energy cooperation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have met in Ankara on the sidelines of the NATO summit to discuss Ukraine's European integration, the proposed Drone Deal, and energy security.

Zelenskyy announced the meeting in a post on X, saying the talks focused on advancing Ukraine's EU accession process, further developing the Drone Deal initiative, and preparing the relevant agreement. The two sides also agreed on the next steps and a possible timeline for signing the document.

"Our teams are now actively working on the Drone Deal, and today we discussed the next steps and possible timing for its signing. We also coordinated our positions on upcoming international events. There are many important events ahead, both abroad and in Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote.

The sides also held detailed discussions on Ukraine's energy sector and preparations for the coming winter, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country's resilience regardless of how the conflict develops.

"We discussed the energy sector in detail and preparations for winter. Everyone is interested in ending this war before winter, but regardless of how events develop, we must be ready to protect our people and ensure Ukraine's resilience. I am grateful for the energy support and for the implementation of all previous agreements. There are also new ideas. We are working together on the energy security of all Europe," the Ukrainian president said.

The Drone Deal is an international cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships between Ukraine and key allies through the joint development, production, and export of Ukrainian drones, while facilitating the exchange of advanced battlefield experience and expertise in unmanned technologies.

By Vafa Guliyeva