President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed using remaining funds from the SAFE program for new defense projects involving Ukraine and the EU. During the conversation, they also discussed in detail the problem of financing Ukraine’s defense and the preparation of solutions to address it.
This was reported by the Office of the President.
Zelenskyy thanked von der Leyen for her attention to Ukraine and security issues in her annual address to the European Parliament.
“The initiative to use the remaining funds from the SAFE program to support new defense projects by Ukraine and the European Union is very timely and truly necessary. It is important to implement it. Of course, we are ready to cooperate on other security proposals that can strengthen all of Europe and each of our countries,” the president said.
Zelenskyy and von der Leyen also discussed in detail the problem of financing Ukraine’s defense. Solutions are currently being prepared to help address the issue.
The leaders agreed to meet in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
As a reminder, Ursula von der Leyen earlier announced plans to develop new defense projects together with Ukraine, including the pan-European Freya air defense system. According to her, the project should combine Ukraine’s combat experience and innovation with Europe’s technological leadership and production capabilities.
Remaining SAFE funds are planned to be used for joint projects with Ukrainian companies. Von der Leyen also said she intends to support Ukraine through the next wartime winter, including with humanitarian assistance, stronger energy infrastructure and enhanced air defense.
