European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a new defense industry partnership between the European Union and Ukraine, highlighting Kyiv's growing role in strengthening Europe's security, Report informs.
Speaking in Kyiv after receiving the first-ever Order of Europe, von der Leyen said the partnership would include an agreement on the joint development and production of drones, combining Ukraine's battlefield experience with the EU's industrial capabilities.
She described Ukraine's fight against Russia as "an existential struggle for Europe's freedom," stressing that the country's expertise in drone systems and defense technologies would help reinforce the security of the entire European Union.
Von der Leyen also reaffirmed the bloc's long-term commitment to Ukraine, declaring that "Ukraine is Europe, and Europe is Ukraine."