Slovenian Delegation Visits Kyiv
On September 17, 2026, Slovenia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tone Kaizer and Defense Minister Valentin Haidinyak arrived in Kyiv for high-level talks. Their discussions with Ukrainian officials centered on joint defense initiatives, including the ongoing Drone Deal program, regional security concerns, and Ukraine’s future within a united Europe. Representatives from leading Slovenian companies also took part in the meetings.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga shared photos of the delegation at Kyiv’s railway station, emphasizing the significance of the visit amid relentless Russian aggression.
“I appreciate this courageous visit during the ongoing Russian terror against our nation. There are many topics to cover. Both Ukraine and Slovenia are committed to a strong and secure Europe, and together we can achieve much more toward this goal.” – Andriy Sybiga
President Volodymyr Zelensky also commented on the event, highlighting the presence of the Slovenian government delegation alongside key company representatives in Kyiv. He noted his meeting with Ministers Kaizer and Haidinyak, stressing their collaborative efforts on the Drone Deal and the initial progress made on shared defense projects.
Deepening Cooperation Through the Drone Deal Program
Zelensky detailed that Ukraine and Slovenia are actively engaged in the Drone Deal—a long-term international cooperation program initiated by Ukraine to enhance security and defense collaboration. The Drone Deal encompasses:
- Development of air defense systems;
- Expansion of drone technology capabilities;
- Training programs;
- Defense industry manufacturing.
This agreement framework spans a decade, ensuring a stable and adaptable partnership.
The Ukrainian president also expressed gratitude to Slovenia for its $50 million contribution to the PURL program and overall support for Ukraine. He honored the sacrifices of Ukrainian defenders with a moment of silence, acknowledging the profound respect shown for those who gave their lives protecting Ukraine and Europe.
The Slovenian delegation’s visit and the focus on security cooperation highlight the critical role of Ukraine’s partnerships with European Union countries amid current challenges. The collaboration under the Drone Deal program stands to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly through shared development of drone technologies and joint defense projects. Given Ukraine’s ongoing security situation, support from European allies like Slovenia is vital for advancing defense and security cooperation.
As both nations strengthen their defense ties, the recent discussions highlight the growing importance of international collaboration in security matters. For a more in-depth look at how Ukraine and Slovenia are expanding their defense cooperation and the implications for regional stability, read more about it here.