Ukraine has received confirmation of the first tranche from the European Union’s financial support package amounting to 90 billion euros. A significant portion of these funds will be directed towards the development of domestic production of modern defense systems, particularly drones. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky after a series of informal meetings with European leaders that took place in Cyprus in April.
This is reported by Finway
Drone Production and Energy Protection
The head of state emphasized that one of the main priorities for using the financial aid is to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities through the production of innovative drones. This will allow Ukraine to more effectively counter threats during the war and enhance its own technological potential.
The second key area Zelensky mentioned is the strengthening of protection for energy infrastructure, which remains vulnerable to attacks from the Russian Federation. The president stressed that by the beginning of the next winter, it is necessary to ensure the highest level of protection for critical facilities.
“We plan to allocate several billion from this specifically for energy protection. We discussed this in meetings with European leaders in Cyprus,” noted the head of state.
He clarified that funding for the energy sector will come from the central budget as well as from funds provided by EU partners.
Stability of Diesel Fuel Supply
The president paid special attention to the issue of ensuring Ukraine’s supply of diesel fuel. According to him, even in wartime conditions, the country does not experience a shortage of diesel, which is strategically important for the military, farmers, and civilian transport.
Zelensky explained that stable supplies of diesel fuel are ensured by agreements with countries in the Middle East. Additionally, the supply route through the Caucasus for the needs of the civilian sector has been activated.
The president emphasized that Kyiv is receiving support from several countries that guarantee regular fuel supplies. He expressed gratitude to international partners for their cooperation in this area.
It is worth noting that back in late March, Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a potential fuel shortage ahead of the sowing campaign. Ukraine, in cooperation with Middle Eastern countries in the field of protection against Iranian drones, is simultaneously working to strengthen its own energy security and the stability of fuel supply.