EU and Ukraine plan joint production of drones

The sky is blue and only slightly cloudy as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen steps off an overnight train at a train station in Kiev. She is greeted with a bouquet of yellow and blue flowers – the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

It was her eleventh visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the major Russian aggression against the country in 2022. However, this trip is special, as it is entirely dedicated to deepening cooperation between the European Union and Ukraine.

Lots of symbolism and new political plans

Soldiers are lined up on the central St. Michael's Square in the heart of Kiev. There are also women in traditional Ukrainian costumes, young people in festive attire, as well as representatives of political and social life.

They were joined by presidents and prime ministers from numerous Southeast European countries. Together, they marked Ukrainian Statehood Day – a national holiday introduced in 2021, which aims to remind us that Ukraine's history did not begin until 1991.

Meanwhile, the sun is shining brightly as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presents the guest of honor, Ursula von der Leyen, with the “Order of Europe.” She is the first recipient of the award, which was given to her for her outstanding contribution to Ukraine’s European path. “I am grateful for your support, Ursula,” says President Zelensky.

In the garden of the historic presidential Mariinsky Palace, the two sign an agreement on closer cooperation in the development and production of drones. It is an agreement that should benefit both Ukraine and the European Union. “We will produce drones faster than ever before,” says Von der Leyen, “so that Ukraine can get what it urgently needs as soon as possible, while Europe can develop the capabilities it may need in the future.”

Ukraine is bringing its knowledge and vast technological experience gained during the war with Russia to the project, while EU countries are providing initial funding and companies with production facilities located in safe locations. This, according to von der Leyen, is transforming Kiev from a beneficiary of security assistance into an active guarantor of European security.

Airstrike in Kiev

The importance of protection against drone attacks became apparent shortly after the ceremony. Suddenly, an air raid alert was sounded in Kiev, forcing Ursula von der Leyen to take shelter for a short time. A Russian drone approached the capital, but the situation quickly calmed down.

In recent days and weeks, however, the situation has been much more serious. The residents of Kiev have repeatedly been exposed to heavy Russian bombing, in which houses are burning and civilians are dying. President Zelensky has recently been using every opportunity to ask Western partners for additional assistance for air defense. He did this at the NATO summit last week in Ankara, but also in France, where he met with the leaders of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing." There, new promises of military assistance were confirmed.

Is the initiative now in Kiev's hands?

Despite the brutal attacks on Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, with destruction and numerous civilian casualties, it seems that after more than four years of war, Ukraine has currently taken the initiative.

"The situation has changed," says Ursula von der Leyen. Ukrainian forces have managed to stabilize the front while simultaneously carrying out successful attacks deep into Russian territory, targeting oil refineries and military logistics. Russia is facing increasing pressure due to limited energy resources, and pressure on President Vladimir Putin is growing, the European Commission President says.

"Our most important goal is not a Russia without oil, but a Ukraine without war," President Zelensky said. He added that he also wants a Europe free from the Russian threat.

Ursula von der Leyen brought Ukraine another piece of positive news on its European path. The European Union has opened the second of six negotiating packages, demonstrating its desire to accelerate Ukraine's accession process. It is customary for a new chapter to be opened only after the previous one has been closed, but in this case an exception has been made.

Ukraine believes that the process is still too slow and would like to see all EU legal acts considered simultaneously. However, some member states believe that this would be too big a step.

Before Ursula von der Leyen's visit, the 21st package of sanctions against Russia was planned to be adopted. However, this was not achieved due to new disagreements among EU member states on certain issues. Von der Leyen believes that a compromise will be reached soon, because, as she says, the sanctions are now clearly showing their effect and "having a profound impact on the Russian economy."

On this holiday, President Zelensky appeared calm. Sanctions, he said, are weighing on both Russia and the West, but the key question is who will hold out longer. For Ukraine, he emphasizes, it is a matter of survival. That is why, as he says, it is crucial that the European Union “holds out at least one day longer than Russia.”