Zelenskyy secures $1.27 billion in European defense and energy aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded a European diplomatic tour with announcements of significant new support packages totaling over €1.1 billion ($1.27 billion) for Ukraine's defense and energy sectors. The commitments, secured during visits to Greece, France, and Spain, are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities and ensuring its energy security through the upcoming winter.

French Military Partnership

The most substantial military commitment came from France, which agreed to a major expansion of defense cooperation. This includes a plan for Ukraine to acquire 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets by 2035. The French support package also encompasses SAMP/T air defense systems, advanced radar technology, air-to-air missiles, and guided aerial bombs, with a separate military assistance package scheduled for delivery before the year's end.

Spanish Financial Support and Greek Energy

Spain pledged significant financial contributions, including €100 million for the PURL initiative to procure air defense missiles, €215 million under the SAFE instrument, and €200 million dedicated to Ukraine's energy sector. Madrid is also preparing an additional defense package featuring IRIS-T air defense missiles. From Greece, Zelenskyy secured guaranteed gas volumes for the upcoming heating season, describing the country as "an important energy hub for Ukraine and for all of Central and Eastern Europe."

Ankara Visit and US Coordination

Following his European tour, Zelenskyy's delegation arrived in Ankara, where they paid respects at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Türkiye's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, characterized the ongoing talks as proceeding "in a businesslike, working atmosphere" and noted continued coordination with representatives from the US administration of President Donald Trump.