‘Volodymyr, you are here among friends,’ von der Leyen tells Zelensky at NATO summit

“We stand by Ukraine from the very first day on, and you can count on us, also for the future. Volodymyr, you are here among friends,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 24 June, on the first day of the NATO summit, held in the Hague, Netherlands.

“We have just discussed how crucial it is for Europe to invest in Ukraine’s extraordinarily agile and innovative defence industry,” von der Leyen said, adding later on X that “Ukraine is now home to extraordinary innovation.”

She also highlighted a specially designed funding programme of €150 billion called SAFE, through which Member States, Ukraine, and other partners can access loans to invest directly in Ukraine’s defence sector.

Through this programme, the EU aims to strengthen mutual defence capabilities but also to support Ukraine “in its ongoing fight for survival”.

Von der Leyen also reminded about the EU’s constant financial support to Ukraine and the 18th sanctions package, currently being prepared.

“Indeed we have to put pressure on President Putin, that he comes to the negotiation table and that he is engaging seriously in negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” von der Leyen said. “Therefore, the 18th sanctions package is a biting one. I know that our G7 friends will follow suit with their sanctions.”

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