President Volodymyr Zelensky held a series of talks with European leaders on Friday following a heavy barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks on his country, his official website reported.
He spoke with both Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb.
The discussions with Merz focused on analyzing Russian intentions and reinforcing joint defense capabilities, including cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing and the PURL initiative.
In his conversation with Starmer, Zelensky explored ways to enhance Ukraine’s air defense and coordinated ongoing collaboration with international partners.
He also expressed gratitude to Finland’s president for the consistent and steadfast support of Ukraine.
In Kyiv, the Ukrainian leader also met with the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans. Following the meeting, a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Co-production of Drones was signed.
In a public address later that day, Zelenskyy emphasized that the only appropriate response to Russian aggression is increased strength, improved air defenses, and sustained pressure on Russia to ensure accountability for its actions.
“All day long, recovery efforts have been underway following the Russian strike. It’s a great deal of work. Electricity has already been restored for more than 725,000 families,” he said.