Elena Teslova
May 13, 2026 • Updated: May 13, 2026
AA / Moscow / Elena Teslova
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the Bucharest Nine Summit in Romania that Europe should strive for greater unity and, in some areas, have more autonomous defense capabilities.
Zelensky shared his speech on the social network Telegram, in which he also stated that the continent cannot rely on changing geopolitical conditions. “Europe cannot depend on changing geopolitical moods,” Zelensky declared, calling for deeper integration of resources, production, and defense capabilities to strengthen the EU and NATO.
He indicated that Ukraine is exporting its security expertise abroad, particularly to the Gulf States and regions such as the Middle East and the South Caucasus, and is starting similar cooperation in Europe.
Zelensky put forward a proposal for a “Drone Deal” for the EU, which he said he discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing that these initiatives should be developed at the EU institutional level and through bilateral agreements.
He stressed that modern warfare is evolving rapidly and that having weapons is not enough without real combat experience and the ability to adapt quickly, which Ukraine currently possesses.
“This experience exists only in Ukraine, only among our soldiers,” Zelensky declared, urging partners not to delay and to invest in shared defense production and cooperation.
He also called for continued diplomatic pressure on Russia, stating that sanctions and “long-range capabilities,” referring to Ukraine’s drone attacks, had already had an effect.
He urged support for the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, calling it an essential tool for Ukraine to acquire missile defense systems while European production capacity is still developing.
At the same time, he warned against separating economic and security priorities, noting that energy prices, fuel costs, and European competitiveness are directly linked to security.
*Translated from English by Ayse Bashoruz
