EU‑Ukraine Drone Defense Deal Signed by von der Leyen in Kyiv

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv for her eleventh mission since the Russian invasion and together with President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new EU‑Ukraine partnership on defence industrial cooperation. The agreement creates a joint “Drone Deal” that will integrate European manufacturing capacity with Ukrainian battlefield experience to produce combat drones, anti‑drone systems and, from 2028, short‑range ballistic missiles. Production is slated to begin by the end of 2026 and will be financed by the EU’s €90 billion loan package for Ukraine, with part of the funds earmarked for the procurement of drone components, including a waiver allowing the purchase of Chinese parts.

The deal also calls for the removal of technical and regulatory barriers, the creation of joint ventures, and the possibility of locating some production outside Ukrainian territory. Leaders from Romania, Serbia, Moldova and other EU states attended the signing, underscoring broad European political support for Ukraine’s defence needs.