Zelensky urges Europe to build more autonomous defense capabilities

AA / Moscou / Elena Teslova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the Bucharest Nine Summit in Romania that Europe should strive for greater unity and, in some areas, have more autonomous defense capabilities.

Zelensky shared his speech on the social network Telegram, in which he also stated that the continent cannot rely on changing geopolitical conditions.

« Europe cannot depend on changing geopolitical moods », Zelensky said, calling for deeper integration of resources, production, and defense capabilities to strengthen the EU and NATO.

He noted that Ukraine exports its security expertise abroad, especially to countries in the Persian Gulf and regions like the Middle East and South Caucasus, and is starting similar cooperation in Europe.

Zelensky highlighted a proposal for the EU called the « Drone Deal », which he said he discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing that these initiatives should be developed at the EU institutional level and through bilateral agreements.

He emphasized that modern warfare is evolving rapidly and that possessing weapons is not enough without real combat experience and the ability to adapt quickly, which Ukraine currently has.

« This experience exists only in Ukraine, only among our soldiers », Zelensky said, urging partners to not delay and to invest in common defense production and cooperation.

He specified that these efforts should be reflected in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which aims to support rapid rearmament and adaptation of European defense industries to current security challenges.

Zelensky also called for continued diplomatic pressure on Russia, stating that sanctions and « long-range capabilities », referring to Ukraine’s drone attacks, had already had an effect.

He urged support for the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, calling it an essential tool for Ukraine to acquire missile defense systems while European production capacity is still developing.

At the same time, he warned against separating economic and security priorities, noting that energy prices, fuel costs, and European competitiveness are directly linked to security.

*Translated from English by Ayse Bashoruz