Ukraine welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders from East European countries to Kyiv on Wednesday for the fifth Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, held on Ukraine's Statehood Day. The meeting focused on regional security, Ukraine's European integration and continued support for the country as it defends itself against Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the summit aimed to reaffirm the partnership between Ukraine and Southeast European states while advancing cooperation on Ukraine's path toward EU membership. According to Sybiha, discussions centred on strengthening Europe through closer political coordination and expanding security and defence cooperation. He noted that the Kyiv gathering builds on previous summits held in Athens, Tirana, Dubrovnik and Odesa.
The participating heads of state and government – with Ursula von der Leyen attending as an observer rather than a signatory – adopted a joint declaration reaffirming their support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, while Ursula von der Leyen attended the summit but was not among the signatories. The declaration condemned Russia's invasion and recent large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, calling for an immediate end to the war and stressing that no decisions concerning Ukraine can be made without Kyiv.
The participants also described strengthening Ukraine's air defence as a priority, supporting additional financial resources and international mechanisms to provide air defence systems and ballistic missile interceptors. They called for increased sanctions on Russia, including stronger measures against its shadow fleet and sanctions evasion, while reaffirming support for accountability through the planned Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Von der Leyen, making her 11th wartime visit to Ukraine, said the European Union would continue providing military and financial assistance. She announced new initiatives to deepen cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defence industries and to strengthen Ukraine's air defences ahead of winter, when Russia has repeatedly targeted the country's energy infrastructure. Discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were also expected to include expanded cooperation on drone production.
The visit comes as Kyiv reports growing momentum on both the battlefield and its European integration efforts. Ukraine has recently opened another cluster of accession negotiations with the EU. Accordingly, the declaration adopted refers to the future EU membership of Ukraine and the Western Balkans as a strategic investment in Europe's long-term security and stability. Furthermore, the bloc's €90 billion financial support package has now been finalised after previous delays. Ukrainian officials have also signalled that discussions with the European Commission will include expanded cooperation on drone production, with plans expected to facilitate manufacturing and storage within EU territory before equipment is transferred to Ukraine.
The leaders also agreed that the next Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit will be held in Slovenia in 2027.
Source: commonspace.eu with Euronews (Brussels), President of Ukraine (Kyiv), and Interfax-Ukraine (Kyiv).
