Ukraine-South-East Europe summit focuses on security and support for Kyiv
A high-level delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to attend events marking the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the annual Ukraine-South-East Europe summit. According to the Presidency of Moldova, President Maia Sandu travelled to the Ukrainian capital at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Sandu arrived at Kyiv railway station alongside other regional leaders, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Romanian President Nicusor Dan. The summit’s declared agenda centres on regional security and continued support for Kyiv in its war against Russia.
For Ursula von der Leyen, the trip is her 11th visit to Ukraine since the conflict began. The European Commissionpresident announced that further defence initiatives would be discussed during the visit.
“This is a special moment. Ukraine has made significant progress on the battlefield. A turning point in the war is already emerging,” von der Leyen wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
She said talks would include the integration of defence production in Ukraine and the European Union. The stated objective is to establish joint weapons production in order to “produce more and faster”, further deepening the military links between Kyiv and the bloc.
Leaders plan bilateral meetings in Kyiv
The talks at the Ukraine-South-East Europe summit are also expected to cover Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and preparations for the coming winter season, which is already expected to be exceptionally difficult. These discussions will take place alongside negotiations on expanding joint arms production and maintaining regional support for Kyiv.
Several bilateral meetings are planned on the sidelines of the summit. Aleksandar Vucic confirmed that he would hold talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while Maia Sandu is also due to meet the Ukrainian president and other leaders attending the gathering.
The visit coincides with the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, observed on 15 July. The summit format was established in 2023 as a regional platform for discussing the consequences of the conflict and coordinating support for Ukraine.
Last year’s meeting was held in Odesa. On that occasion, Aleksandar Vucic refused to sign the summit’s final declaration, which the source described as anti-Russian.
