Important decision on F-16 pilot training made - Zelenskyy at meeting with Romanian President

Zelenskyy shared information about the training of pilots during a press conference.

"There is an extremely important decision to train pilots for the F-16 in Romania. A pilot training center is being set up, and we discussed with Mr. President how to speed up this process and agreed that Ukrainian pilots will be included in the first wave of training. I informed him about the situation on the battlefield and our defense needs," Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine's president thanked Romania for its support. "And for what we have discussed today, there will be good news about artillery and air defense. Thank you very much for this," he summarized.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis condemns Russia's attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure and considers them war crimes.

"Since the first days of this aggression, which demonstrates that Russia remains the main threat to the European continent and the entire Black Sea region, Romania and the Romanian people have been by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people's side. Supporting Ukraine is in Romania's strategic interest. Strengthening Ukraine's security means strengthening Romania's security. We thus support the struggle for the basic values of the world we live in," he stressed.

Earlier, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram that he had a "wide range of subjects for negotiations" with his Romanian counterpart. He also called Romania a good neighbor who supported Ukraine in its most difficult moment.

"Today we will talk about further security cooperation, the development of aviation and other defense coalitions, strengthening our air defense, the overall security architecture in the Black Sea region and relations with our partners," Zelenskyy wrote.

He expressed confidence that the visit would benefit both countries.

The official website of Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces the start of the meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Romania.

"The heads of state will hold talks one-on-one and in an expanded format. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Klaus Iohannis will also meet with media representatives," the statement reads.

• Earlier, Zelenskyy's visit was announced by the Romanian President's Office.