Ukrainian President’s Remarks at Yerevan Summit
During the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised the prospect of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow on May 9. This statement emerged as a key point in broader discussions about Ukraine’s security and allied support. On the sidelines of the summit, a Washington-format meeting took place, bringing together leaders from partner nations, including:
- Emmanuel Macron
- Keir Starmer
- Giorgia Meloni
- Jonas Gahr Støre
- Donald Tusk
- Petteri Orpo
- Mark Carney
- António Costa
- Ursula von der Leyen
- Mark Rutte
Security and Economic Support Talks
Discussions centered on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems, including the production of European systems and missiles, as well as backing the PURL initiative. Canada, through Mark Carney, announced an additional $200 million contribution to this program. Mark Rutte confirmed that shipments of anti-ballistic missiles to Ukraine are ongoing, while Zelenskyy coordinated with Ursula von der Leyen on the timeline for the first tranche of a €90 billion European support package.
Zelenskyy also issued directives to Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, and the diplomatic team at the Presidential Office. The parties agreed to move forward decisively on a Drone Deal with the European Union. Zelenskyy underscored the need for diplomatic pressure on Russia, stating:
“This summer will be the moment when Putin decides his next move—whether to escalate this war or shift toward diplomatic avenues. And we must push him toward diplomacy.”
Overall, the outcomes of the Yerevan summit highlight a surge in international backing for Ukraine, particularly in security and economic aid. The discussions on air defense strategies and drone-related initiatives reflect Kyiv’s drive to bolster its standing on the global stage. Zelenskyy’s mention of possible strikes on Moscow on May 9 may also signal Ukraine’s readiness for more assertive countermeasures against Russian aggression, underscoring the region’s heightened tensions and the critical role of international support for Ukraine during this challenging period.
As the situation evolves, the recent events underscore the urgency of enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities. Following a significant drone offensive that involved over 400 strikes against Ukrainian targets, President Zelenskyy announced new air defense strategies to bolster the nation's security. For further insights into these developments and the implications for Ukraine's defense posture, read more about the latest drone attacks and the measures being implemented to counter them in our detailed report on the recent drone assault.