Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, with key topics of discussion including air defense systems, weapons, and ammunition for Ukraine.
The head of state shared details of the meeting on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.
“During a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, we discussed strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and all of Europe. Air defense, weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, timely deliveries, strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry, EU accession negotiations, the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, and countering sanctions circumvention – all of this was among the topics we addressed today,” Zelensky said.
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Video: Office of the President of Ukraine
He expressed gratitude for the leadership in reinforcing Europe’s defense capabilities and supporting Ukraine on its path to a just and lasting peace.
“It is very important that Ukrainians are not alone — we feel it and know it,” Zelensky added.
For his part, Costa emphasized the importance of enhancing the defense capacities of both Ukraine and Europe, according to the Ukrainian president’s press service.
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He stated that Europe’s security and defense could not be separated from Ukraine’s, adding that a stronger European defense would, in turn, bolster Ukraine’s defense, while a more capable Ukrainian defense was also essential for reinforcing Europe’s own security.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would present a European rearmament plan at the European Council meeting, outlining up to EUR 800 billion in defense investments.
She explained that the plan would provide EU member states with financial flexibility to invest in defense, either by supporting Ukraine’s defense industry or by purchasing military equipment for immediate transfer to Ukraine. According to von der Leyen, the initiative aimed to strengthen both Europe’s rearmament and the European Union’s defense capabilities while also equipping Ukraine in its existential struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Office of the President of Ukraine noted that the meeting addressed the urgent needs of Ukraine’s defense forces, particularly enhancing air defense, ensuring the timely supply of all types of weapons and ammunition, and increasing the production capacity of Ukraine’s defense industry.
Discussions also covered Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. Zelensky expressed hope that the European Commission and the European Council would support the opening of the first negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals.”
Additionally, Zelensky thanked the EU for adopting its 16th sanctions package against Russia and urged the start of work on a 17th package. This next round should focus on countering sanctions evasion and expanding restrictions on Russia’s shadow fleet and its captains.
A special European Council meeting is taking place in Brussels on March 6, where EU heads of state and government are discussing ways to strengthen European defense and increase assistance to Ukraine.
Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine
Source: Zelensky, Costa, von der Leyen discuss strengthening Ukraine's, Europe's defense
