Money, defense office and framework conditions: What Ukraine and the European Commission agreed on in Kyiv.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen met in Kyiv. They discussed issues of financing, Ukrainian exports, and cooperation in the defense industry.

“Von Der Leyen said that the first tranche of €4.5B will arrive in March”, Shmyhal noted.

She also announced at a press conference that the European Commission will present a new European defense industry strategy in three weeks, including the integration of Ukraine, and plans to open an innovative defense office in Kyiv to strengthen cooperation.

She also clarified that the EC would provide general framework conditions for starting negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU in mid-March. Although, earlier, she said that the framework conditions would be ready at the beginning of summer.

The President of the EC also emphasized that her visit to Ukraine testifies to the unwavering support of the EU for the long term.