Zelensky and von der Leyen discuss using EU SAFE funds for Ukraine defence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke by phone about the challenges of funding Ukraine's defence efforts. They focused on the possibility of allocating the remaining money in the EU's SAFE programme to support new joint defence initiatives. Both officials indicated that a detailed plan is being prepared and that they will convene in New York during the UN General Assembly to further the talks.
The dialogue highlighted the need for closer cooperation between Kyiv and Brussels on security matters. The leaders described the proposal as timely and essential for Ukraine's ongoing resistance. No final agreement was announced at the time of the call.
Why it matters
Securing additional EU funds could strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself amid ongoing conflict.
How this story developed
- Aug 30 India supplies nearly a million barrels of gasoline to Russia as Moscow faces refinery attacks
- Sep 1 Ukraine's air force says Russia used five times more jet-powered Shahed drones in July than in June, indicating a rapid expansion of its high-speed drone production.
- Sep 10 Ukraine has started an offensive operation in the north of the Donetsk region, according to Brigadier-General Andrii Biletskyi.
- Sep 11 Russia has begun importing Jet A‑1 from South Korea and Egypt.
- Sep 12 Russia has broadened deployment of jet‑propelled drones, prompting Kyiv to trial quicker, low‑cost interceptors.
- Sep 14 Donald Trump, speaking on his return trip from Ireland to the United States, again urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop attacking Russian diesel refineries. He claimed that many diesel supplies originate from Russia and that Ukrainian strikes on those plants damage the global fuel market. Trump added that the ongoing shortage of gasoline and diesel is driven by the Russia-Ukraine war, not by events in the Middle East. Kyiv has defended the attacks, calling the refineries lawful military objectives that diminish Russia’s oil revenue and hamper its ability to fund the invasion. Recent Ukrainian raids have indeed lowered Russian fuel inventories, prompting concerns about broader energy security. The White House released a recording of the remarks, highlighting Trump’s continued involvement in the conflict’s diplomatic discourse.
- Sep 14 Trump posted on Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to halt energy attacks.
- Sep 15 Ukrainian drones and missiles struck an Ozon warehouse in Taganrog and damaged an industrial facility in the Samara region.
- Sep 15 Ukrainian troops repelled a Russian assault on Lyman.
- Sep 16 Lavrov announced Russia's readiness to resume US‑Ukraine‑Russia negotiations and a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 16 The House passed a fresh sanctions package targeting Russia with a 262-159 vote, now awaiting President Trump's signature.
- Sep 17 The Senate approved the bill with an 86‑11 vote last month.
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