Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen signed a strategic partnership document that will underpin a Drone Deal. The EU will provide Ukraine with another €1 billion for drone purchases and approved a €10 billion payment plan for additional drones, missiles, and fighter jets.
❗️President Zelensky announced that Serhii Koretskyi will become Ukraine’s next prime minister, replacing Yuliia Svyrydenko as head of government.
❗️ Lithuania has increased security around energy and transport infrastructure after intelligence received indications of possible Russian attacks, Reuters reported. President Gitanas Nausėda said there is still no specific intelligence on when or where any attack could occur.
❗️ Zelensky said he has not yet decided whether Mykhailo Fedorov will continue as defense minister in the new Cabinet, Suspilne reported. The matter will be discussed before tonight’s Servant of the People faction meeting, where upcoming personnel changes are expected to be reviewed.
Zelensky awarded European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Ukraine’s Order of Europe on Ukrainian Statehood Day. He said it is an honor no one can take away because Ukraine’s word is firm.
❗️ A bipartisan group of US senators introduced a Russia sanctions bill that would mandate sanctions on Vladimir Putin, Russian banks, defense firms, energy companies, and the shadow fleet. Trump said the bill has a “good chance” of passing.
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❗️ Zelensky said Ukraine will receive licenses to produce SCALP missiles, AASM bombs, and Aster 30 missiles. France will provide 2 SAMP/T systems this year and speed up Aster 30 deliveries by October. Ukraine will buy 16 Rafale fighters, with pilot and mechanic training starting this year.
Zelensky said Ukrainian forces struck a refinery in Bashkortostan, about 1,300 km from the front, and the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar region. He also confirmed hits on a patrol ship and a shadow fleet tanker near Gelendzhik, plus 3 tankers in the Sea of Azov.
❗️ Bulgaria is leaving the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine, Bloomberg reported. Prime Minister Radev said the country would withdraw. He has criticized military aid to Ukraine while denying that his position is pro-Russian.
❗️ Moldova and North Macedonia have joined the Coalition of the Willing, Zelensky said. The coalition now includes 40 countries.
Macron said Ukraine will receive Rafale fighters in 2028 to 2029 and licenses to produce Aster-30 missiles for SAMP/T, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and SCALP cruise missiles. Zelensky said Ukraine currently lacks interceptors against ballistic missiles but has developed an antiballistic missile. He added that Ukraine and its partners could build a joint antiballistic system within 12 months.
The UK has joined the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine support program, allowing British defense companies to compete for contracts financed through the loan. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement could unlock billions in investment, support skilled jobs across the UK, and strengthen Britain’s defense industrial base.
❗️Zelensky said Ukraine is finalizing an antiballistic missile for the FREYA project, while European partners can contribute radars and other critical components. Representatives from FP, Thales, HENSOLDT, Diehl Defence, Saab, Kongsberg, Weibel, Leonardo, MBDA, Eurosam, Safran, and Destinus joined the coalition meeting. Zelensky called for political confirmation that FREYA is a shared project.
❗️Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova said Patriarch Kirill was removed from the EU’s 21st sanctions package on Russia. She argued sanctions should focus on economic damage and hurt Russia more than EU states. Two other EU countries also oppose parts of the package.