Von der Leyen says Ukraine drone deal will boost defense industry

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union will intensify cooperation with Ukraine on reforms to advance its EU accession process and accelerate defense production under a new "Drone Deal," Report informs.

Von der Leyen wrote on X that she had a "very good phone call" with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Koretskyi, stressing that the agreement would "harness the EU's industrial strength to produce Ukraine's most innovative defense equipment at speed and scale."

She added that discussions also covered preparations for the coming winter and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. "You can count on our full support, including in your work to improve energy sector's governance," she said.

The EU has been working to expand defense cooperation with Kyiv while supporting reforms aimed at bringing the country closer to membership.