Zelenskyy discusses air defence expansion with EU, NATO leaders in Yerevan

Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with European and NATO-aligned leaders on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, focusing on air defence cooperation, energy security and continued military support for Ukraine.

According to a statement from Zelenskyy, the meeting took place in what he described as a “Washington-format” discussion involving key Western partners, including Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni, as well as European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Discussions centred on strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, including the expansion of European production of missile systems and interceptors, as well as support for the PURL programme and the development of European anti-ballistic defence assets.

Zelenskyy said Canada had pledged an additional $200 million in support, alongside continued deliveries of anti-missile systems under previously agreed arrangements. He also noted assurances from Rutte that supplies of anti-ballistic missiles would continue as planned.

The talks also touched on broader diplomatic dynamics, with participants assessing how to maintain momentum in international engagement efforts amid shifting global security pressures. Zelenskyy said there was consensus among partners that Ukraine’s position on the battlefield had “significantly strengthened”.

Energy security ahead of the winter period featured prominently, alongside discussions on a wider European support package and the timeline for disbursement of the first tranche of funding.

Zelenskyy also said he had discussed with von der Leyen a proposed European support package for joint drone production, describing progress towards a potential “Drone Deal” between Ukraine and the European Union as constructive.

By Aghakazim Guliyev