Zelenskyj and Orpo: Investments for drone production and peace!

Zelenskyj and Orpo: Investments for drone production and peace!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met today with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Vilnius to discuss important issues related to military support to Ukraine and cooperation in the Safe Spaces Coalition. A central point of the conversation was encouraging investments in Ukrainian production, especially in joint arms production. Zelensky underlined the importance of these measures to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and promote economic independence.

Zelensky also informed Orpo about the Ukrainian “Drone Line” project, which is already in successful operation. The meeting discussed scaling the project to further optimize the effectiveness and reach of drone technology. The Ukrainian president also expressed his expectations for the upcoming negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, where he would like to address issues such as a ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners, the return of children and a summit.

EU support for Ukraine

In the context of the current situation, the European Union emphasizes the need for effective measures for the sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine. The war caused massive destruction, including damage to schools, hospitals and a third of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. To coordinate the reconstruction process, the Donor Coordination Platform was launched on January 26, 2023. This platform enables close coordination between international donors and financial institutions in order to make support transparent and traceable.

Additionally, in February 2024, the Ukraine Facility was adopted, a dedicated financial instrument that will provide Ukraine with reliable financial support for recovery, reconstruction and modernization between 2024 and 2027. A total of 50 billion euros is earmarked for this program to help the affected communities and companies and to promote the reconstruction of the destroyed infrastructure.

Zelensky is also attending the Bucharest Nine and Nordic Summit in Vilnius, underlining the relevance of today's meeting and the strategic importance of the partnership between Ukraine and Finland. EU support and cooperation with other countries are crucial to meeting the challenges of the current situation.

For more information about EU action to support Ukraine, please visit federalgovernment.de. Details of the meeting between Zelensky and Orpo can be found at ukrinform.de.