Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) summit in Tallinn, Estonia, to deepen defence cooperation with Latvia and Estonia while calling for progress on Ukraine’s European Union membership bid.
During his first meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and Latvia had signed a Drone Deal aimed at expanding joint defence production and security cooperation.
Highlighting the agreement, Zelenskyy said: “These are concrete things to strengthen our joint defense and co-production”, adding that “Ukraine’s expertise and experience” would help strengthen European partners.
Key developments:
- Ukraine and Latvia signed a Drone Deal focused on defence cooperation and co-production
- Latvia approved a broader 10-year defence cooperation framework with Ukraine
- Ukraine and Estonia signed a Joint Declaration on Enhanced Security and Defence Cooperation
- Zelenskyy urged EU leaders to advance Ukraine’s accession process and open six negotiation clusters
Zelenskyy also met Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, with the two countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in defence industry development, air defence and the exchange of military expertise. He described the declaration as “a critical step forward” and said work would continue towards a future drone cooperation agreement.
Separately, during talks with Estonian President Alar Karis, Zelenskyy said discussions focused on diplomacy, regional security and support for Ukraine’s path towards EU membership. He also reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to share drone technology and operational expertise with Nordic and Baltic partners to strengthen regional security.
ℹ️ Latvia Ministry of Defence (official press release), mezha, AP News
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