EU to provide more funding for Ukrainian drones and missiles, von der Leyen says
The European Union will provide additional funding for drones and missiles to strengthen Ukraine's defenses this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on October 11 after a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also backed Kyiv's call for a ceasefire protecting energy infrastructure and global food supplies.
Von der Leyen said the additional funding would help Ukraine strengthen its defenses and protect its skies. She did not specify the amount.
She also expressed support for Zelenskyy's call for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia.
"The war has entered a new, grimmer phase," von der Leyen wrote on X. "Russia is stalling on the battlefield and striking civilians far behind the front lines."
Ukraine will be a central topic at this week's European Council meeting, where EU leaders are expected to discuss Kyiv's funding needs for next year and ways to mobilize additional international support.
Von der Leyen also said the EU was preparing to open two more negotiating clusters in Ukraine's accession process.
Her remarks followed US President Donald Trump's announcement that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to an immediate ceasefire on strikes against energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy said the announcement was "news" to him but confirmed Ukraine was ready to accept such an agreement if Russia agreed.