Ukraine to receive new defense packages, drone funding — Zelenskyy after Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries summit

During a press conference following the Vilnius summit of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the Spider's Web operation.

According to him, the operation demonstrated what modern warfare really looks like and why it is so important to stay ahead in technology. He added that cooperation with partners only strengthens Europe.

"Today, we agreed with our partners on several joint decisions that will further enhance our security. I thank everyone for their willingness to help. There will be new defense packages, new investments in the production of Ukrainian weapons, especially drones," the Ukrainian leader said.

Meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo

In Vilnius, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo. The leaders discussed defense support for Ukraine, cooperation within the shelter coalition, and EU membership.

"The most important thing is investment in Ukrainian weapons production and co-production. I spoke about our 'Drone Line' project, which has already proven its effectiveness. We discussed how it can be scaled up," the president reported. According to him, they also discussed negotiations with the Russian delegation in Istanbul: "We expect a real result from today's meeting in Istanbul: a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, the return of children, and a meeting at the leaders' level." The head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, added that Zelenskyy and Orpo also talked about defense support for Ukraine, the shelter coalition, EU integration, investments in weapons production, and joint production.

"A ceasefire is very important, as are prisoner exchanges, the return of deported children, and a meeting of leaders—these issues are being discussed by our delegation in Istanbul. We hope that Russia will stop avoiding ending the war," he wrote.

Meeting with Polish President Duda

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that during his meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, they discussed bilateral relations, diplomatic efforts, and the importance of putting pressure on Russia to bring about a just peace.

"We also have mutually beneficial economic projects. I hope for their successful implementation. We value the support of the Polish people, and personally Andrzej, from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion. Poland's assistance is very important," he added.

Meeting with Lithuanian President Nausėda

During their conversation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda about the second round of negotiations that took place in Istanbul.

"As long as there are no meaningful signals from Russia to end the war, it is important to strengthen our defense, especially by investing in Ukrainian production. This is the basis for peace negotiations. Thank you, Gitanas and the Lithuanian people, for sharing this view," Zelenskyy wrote. According to him, they also discussed sanctions pressure, European integration, reconstruction, and coordinated diplomatic steps.

Meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. They discussed continued support for Ukraine—strengthening air defense, investments in the defense sector, and the importance of continuing and increasing pressure on Russia, particularly through sanctions.

"We appreciate the support from Norway, our security and defense cooperation, and the coordination of efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. We are thoroughly exploring opportunities to do even more together in all areas. Thank you to the Prime Minister, the people of Norway, and everyone who helps us defend lives," the statement said.

What is known about the summit

On Monday, the summit of the Bucharest Nine and Northern European countries took place in Vilnius, dedicated to defense funding and support for Ukraine. The summit brought together leaders from the Baltic countries, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Volodymyr Zelenskyy also participated.

The purpose of the meeting is to coordinate regional positions ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague.

"The Vilnius summit will focus on two main topics: preparations for the NATO summit in The Hague and support for Ukraine. These will be the subject of two specialized sessions," said Deividas Matulionis, chief adviser to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on national security, ahead of the event.

The NATO summit in The Hague is scheduled to take place in about three weeks, with military spending set to be the main item on its agenda.

According to the LRT website, citing a BNS photographer, the state aircraft carrying the Ukrainian leader landed at Vilnius Airport at 10:38 a.m.

This is Zelenskyy’s fourth visit to Lithuania since the full-scale war began, and his sixth overall. His last visit was in April last year, when he attended the Three Seas Initiative summit.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's press secretary, Serhii Nykyforov, announced that bilateral meetings with participants of the event are also planned on the sidelines of the summit.

• Earlier, media outlets reported that the U.S. was allegedly against inviting Zelenskyy to the NATO summit on June 24. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that on May 15.