During the NATO summit in The Hague, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the leaders of the E5 countries (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The talks focused primarily on enhancing Ukraine’s air defense system and improving capabilities to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones.
This was reported by the Office of the President, according to Ukrinform.
“The parties discussed in detail the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air shield amid the increasing number of strikes Russia is carrying out against civilians. The main focus was on air defense systems and interceptors for Iranian ’Shahed’ drones,” the statement reads.
Zelensky emphasized that Russia is intensifying its offensive operations and shows no willingness to end the war. In response, he urged for increased pressure on the Kremlin — particularly targeting the energy and banking sectors, the shadow fleet, and through the implementation of secondary sanctions.
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Zelensky also emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s ability to rely on the Alliance and NATO Member States.
“Thank you for your great support of our nation, our warriors – truly heroic people. Air defense, training missions with jets, and new aid packages – we are grateful for all of these,” the Head of State said.
In turn, Mark Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s unwavering commitment.
“You can count on us now and in the future, so that you can defend yourself, that you are stronger at the negotiating table, that you can deter aggression in the future, and on your irreversible path into NATO,” the Secretary General stressed.
He also highlighted that the E5 countries and other partners have already announced significant military aid, including air defense systems, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, drones, and ammunition. Additionally, NATO is involved in over 70 projects aimed at building Ukraine’s future defense and security infrastructure, which is making Ukraine’s path to NATO irreversible.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, President Zelensky warned that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin could attack a NATO country within the next five years “to test the Alliance.”
Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine
Source: Zelensky discusses strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with E5 leaders, NATO Secretary General
