Zelensky and Estonia's defense chief discuss new air-defence financing

President Volodymyr Zelensky convened with Estonia’s defence minister Martin Herem to discuss ways to secure further financing for Ukraine’s air-defence needs. Zelensky praised Estonia’s active role, noting its participation in the PURL initiative that provides ballistic missile interceptors, and expressed gratitude for each defence package received. He pointed to the newly signed Drone Deal, which permits Ukrainian weapons to be sold to Estonia, thereby generating additional funds for Kyiv’s defence budget.

The two ministers pledged to accelerate the formation of an export package under the deal. Zelensky also thanked Estonia for its consistent support of Ukraine’s path toward EU membership. In parallel, Ukrainian defence minister Yevhenii Khmara spoke with German defence minister Boris Pistorius about safeguarding critical infrastructure, especially in Kyiv.