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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression is a fight for the freedom of all of Europe and announced a new EU-Ukraine defense partnership on drone cooperation, UATV English reports.
Speaking during events marking Ukrainian Statehood Day, von der Leyen thanked Ukraine for awarding her the first-ever Order of Europe.
“Ukraine’s fight is the fight for the freedom of all of Europe,” she said.
During the award ceremony, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the distinction symbolizes the unbreakable partnership between Ukraine and Europe.
“This is an award that no one will ever be able to revoke or take away, because Ukraine’s word is unbreakable,” Zelenskyy said as he presented von der Leyen with the Order of Europe.
Ukraine and the European Union also signed a cooperation agreement on unmanned systems as part of their expanding defense partnership.
According to von der Leyen, Europe’s industrial capacity combined with Ukraine’s unique battlefield experience will significantly strengthen the continent’s security through joint production.
“Europe’s industrial capabilities and Ukraine’s unique combat experience, brought together through joint production, will reinforce our common security,” she said.
The agreement marks another step in deepening EU-Ukraine defense cooperation, with both sides seeking to expand joint development and production of advanced military technologies in response to Russia’s ongoing war.
Read also: Ukraine Produces 10 Million Drones Annually, Will Help Build European Missile Shield — Zelenskyy
