Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a call with Ukraine's new Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi.
- Von der Leyen pledged ongoing EU support for Ukraine's reforms and European integration.
- The call emphasized cooperation on defense, including the recently signed Drone Deal.
- The Drone Deal aims to enhance industrial cooperation in unmanned systems.
- Approximately 11 billion euros were announced for Ukraine's defense needs, including drones, jets, and missiles.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Ukraine's newly appointed Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, reaffirming the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine's reforms and European integration. The call, which took place on July 20, also highlighted ongoing cooperation in defense, particularly in light of the recently concluded Drone Deal and preparations for the upcoming winter amid the ongoing conflict.
Von der Leyen emphasized the EU's full support for Ukraine's efforts to improve governance, specifically mentioning the energy sector. She noted that the Drone Deal, signed during her visit to Kyiv on July 15, aims to leverage the EU's industrial capabilities to rapidly produce advanced defense equipment for Ukraine. This agreement was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle in Ukraine, which saw Serhii Koretskyi, formerly the CEO of Naftogaz, assume the role of Prime Minister on July 16.
The EU has initiated two of the six negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession, but progress on reforms has reportedly slowed. The recent cabinet changes included the dismissal of Taras Kachka, who was responsible for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, with Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov succeeding him. Additionally, Brussels recently established a Defense Industrial Partnership with Kyiv, pooling European resources with Ukraine's combat experience. Von der Leyen announced approximately 11 billion euros in funding for drones, jets, and missiles to aid Ukraine's defense efforts.