European Commission President's Read-out After Call With Zelenskyy
European Commission President von der Leyen issued a read-out after a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, stating that Russia is relentlessly targeting Kyiv and that the EU will disburse another €3.3 billion to Ukraine the next day to procure missiles and drones. Last week the EU approved funding for Patriot systems through its Ukraine Support Loan, and she announced readiness to use remaining SAFE funds to launch a new programme for joint EU-Ukraine defence projects, including a joint European air and missile defence system.
Impact and considerations
EU defence funding and joint project arrangements for Ukraine touch on the European security landscape and defence-industry cooperation, which may affect security conditions and cross-border travel risk assessments in the region.
Key points
- European Commission President von der Leyen issued a read-out after a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
- The read-out states Russia is relentlessly targeting Kyiv, trying to make daily life impossible for its inhabitants.
- The EU will disburse another €3.3 billion to Ukraine the next day to procure missiles and drones.
- Last week the EU approved EU funding for Patriot systems through its Ukraine Support Loan.
- The EU is ready to use remaining SAFE funds to launch a new programme for joint EU-Ukraine defence projects.
- The two sides aim to develop a European air and missile defence system, building on the joint anti-ballistic Freya system.
- The EU has already mobilised nearly €15 billion for Ukraine this year.
- They discussed reforms needed in the Rada to unlock further funding.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- European Commission
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 18 Sept 2026, 01:55
- Page published
- 18 Sept 2026, 02:12
- Last updated
- 18 Sept 2026, 01:55
- Original links
- European Commission Press Corner：Read-out by President von der Leyen following her call with President Zelenskyy (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 18 Sept 2026, 01:55