Zelenskyy announced important talks with European partners
13 April 22:36
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will hold talks with its European partners this week regarding the creation of a joint air defense system. According to the head of state, this is an important strategic initiative that is intended to strengthen security not only in Ukraine but throughout Europe.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reports "Komersant Ukrainian" citing the Office of the President.
What Ukraine will discuss with Europe
According to Zelenskyy, the upcoming talks will focus specifically on the creation of a joint air defense system.
The president emphasized that Ukraine already has significant practical experience in countering air threats, so it is capable of being not only a consumer of security solutions but also a full-fledged participant in their development.
“Radar coverage, the necessary electronic warfare systems, communication between air defense components, and the interception itself—Ukraine is capable of doing all of this,” Zelenskyy noted.
In essence, this involves strengthening Ukraine’s integration into the European security system amid constant air attacks and the growing role of modern air defense technologies.
What Zelenskyy said about Europe’s strategic choice
The President emphasized that the issue of Ukraine’s integration into the European security system is a strategic choice. In his view, Europe must decide whether it sees Ukraine as an integral part of its own security.
Zelenskyy stressed that either Ukraine will become part of the European security system, or some in Europe risk falling under the influence of the “Russian world.”
“I am certain: either Ukraine will become an integral part of the European security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the ‘Russian world,'” the president stated.
With this, the president effectively made it clear that Ukrainian security and European security have long been inextricably linked.
How Ukraine Can Be Useful to Europe
According to the president, Ukraine is already capable of effectively countering aerial threats, particularly kamikaze drones. He specifically emphasized that the Ukrainian side has practical experience in the following areas:
- radar systems;
- electronic warfare systems;
- communication between air defense components;
- direct interception of air targets.
Thus, Ukraine is ready not only to ask for help but also to share the combat experience it has already gained, which is unique in modern Europe.
Where Ukrainian solutions are already being used
Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian solutions in the field of countering air threats are already being used outside of Europe. In particular, he said, Ukrainian interceptors are operating in countries in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.
The president named the following partners:
- Saudi Arabia;
- the United Arab Emirates;
- Qatar.
He also reported that Turkey, Kuwait, and Oman are showing interest in Ukraine’s experience.
Why security cooperation also has economic significance
Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that security cooperation is not only of defensive but also of economic importance to Ukraine. According to him, long-term security agreements with partners in the Middle East provide funding for the state, fuel for Ukraine, and access to the types of weapons that are currently in short supply.
“Ukraine is a global producer of strength and security; this is the case now and will remain so. And none of this is a gift from Ukraine. Long-term security agreements in the Middle East provide funding for our state every year; they are fuel for Ukraine, essential in the face of global instability. They also provide the types of weapons we lack but our partners possess,” the president concluded.
Why these negotiations are important right now
Negotiations with Europe on a joint air defense system are particularly important right now, when the air threat remains one of the main challenges for Ukraine. Massive drone and missile attacks have shown that protecting airspace has long since become not only a national but also a pan-European challenge.
That is precisely why Kyiv is seeking not piecemeal solutions, but a systematic approach that would combine the technical capabilities, military experience, and political will of its partners.
