Ukraine is expected to sign a sweeping multi-billion-euro defense partnership with the European Commission that would expand joint weapons production and significantly deepen Kyiv’s integration into the EU’s defense industry.
According to documents seen exclusively by TVP World, the agreement comes as Europe seeks to close critical gaps in Ukraine’s air defenses amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks on cities and infrastructure.
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The partnership would fund new joint ventures between Ukrainian and European defense companies, including the production of drones, counter-drone systems, and missiles beginning this year.
The European Commission would provide up to €2 billion ($2.3 billion) in new funding. Half would be directed toward expanding the capacity of European and Ukrainian companies to jointly produce drones and missiles.
Up to €1 billion ($1.1 billion) would be invested in Ukrainian defense companies manufacturing dual-use equipment or developing related infrastructure.
The deal is expected to be announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, TVP World reported.
The agreement would commit Brussels and Kyiv to concluding the Drone Deal and launching joint production of drones and anti-drone systems “in the shortest possible term” this year, according to TVP World.
The project is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against short- and medium-range drone attacks while expanding its own stockpiles.
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A broader Missile Deal is also proposed, potentially allowing Ukraine and European companies to jointly manufacture missiles, including Ukraine’s Freyja interceptor, as early as this year.
The planned partnership comes as Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities.
Attacks on Kyiv overnight from Monday into Tuesday reportedly caused fires at two warehouses. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said windows were shattered at a school and a crater was discovered outside the building.
In the eastern Kharkiv region, Russian drone and artillery attacks injured 11 people, including an 11-year-old child, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said Tuesday.
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