European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday in Kyiv the conclusion of a partnership between the European Union and Ukraine to boost joint production of drones. Von der Leyen said, in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, that 'what we are signing today is our agreement on drones.' She added that 'this agreement will combine Ukrainian innovation with European industrial strength,' without disclosing its value.

From left: Romanian President Nicusor Dan, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attend a ceremony in Kyiv on Wednesday (AP)

President Zelensky announced that his country currently produces 10 million drones annually and plans to double that number to 20 million, according to the Ukrinform news agency quoting Zelensky on the occasion of Ukrainian Statehood Day celebrations. Zelensky said: 'I remember when I first announced the government's plan to produce one million drones per year. There was a lot of skepticism everywhere, both at home and abroad,' adding: 'We will do this together with our partners, once again proving the success of Ukrainian, partner, and European defense industries.'

German Chancellor and Ukrainian President on the sidelines of the 'Paris Summit' on Monday (AFP)

Speaking in St. Michael's Square during her visit to Kyiv, von der Leyen said Ukraine's knowledge of drone systems and counter-drone systems is 'truly unique,' and added that Europe at the same time possesses 'vast technological and industrial capacity that can be deployed and safe production sites that can help development.' Von der Leyen explained that the goal is to combine this 'battle-tested' expertise with the EU's 'vast technological and industrial capabilities.' She added: 'It is time to invest in Ukraine, because that means investing in Europe and in our common security.'

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Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for her 11th visit to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, describing the visit as coming at a 'special moment,' saying Ukraine has gained strong military momentum and 'things have started to change.' She added: 'We will also discuss accession and preparations for this winter.'

The European Union is moving forward with accession negotiations, although Ukraine is not expected to complete the process before the next decade.

Ukraine has recently intensified its attacks on Russia, targeting particularly oil infrastructure in an attempt to cripple Moscow's ability to fund its war effort.

A Ukrainian soldier prepares to launch an attack drone towards Russian forces from a position near the front line in the Donetsk region (Reuters)

Contrary to earlier announcements, Germany is expected to participate in the first military exercise of the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' established by Ukraine's allies. In statements to the German News Agency (DPA), German government spokesman Steffen Kornelius said Wednesday that the Franco-German Security and Defense Council will discuss this matter during its meeting on Friday, adding: 'Germany will participate in this exercise, and the federal government is currently examining how this participation will take place.' German government sources had stated Tuesday that Germany would not take part in the exercise.

The coalition, which includes about 35 countries from Ukraine's allies, had unexpectedly agreed during a meeting held Monday in Paris at the French proposal to hold the first exercises for the multinational force dedicated to Ukraine.

Municipal workers remove debris following a Russian strike in Odesa, Ukraine on Wednesday amid Russia's invasion of the country (AFP)

This force is being formed to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The first exercises are scheduled to take place in Poland, one of Ukraine's neighboring countries.

The exercise is expected to be limited in scope, initially testing command structures and decision-making mechanisms. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated Tuesday that Poland, France, and Britain would participate in these exercises.

The decision to form a European-led multinational force to ensure the implementation of any potential ceasefire was taken during a summit on Ukraine held in the German capital Berlin last December. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that this force is already ready for deployment.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confined himself in his statements to saying that the 'Coalition of the Willing' is ready to play an 'important role' in providing security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire, in close coordination with the United States. He added: 'The federal government and the German parliament will also decide the nature and scope of the German contribution.'

The Franco-German Security and Defense Council is scheduled to hold its meeting on Friday at the Nörvenich Air Base, ahead of the Franco-German cabinet meeting in the town of Brühl near Cologne, which will be attended by a large number of ministers from both countries, alongside Merz and Macron.

From left: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak at a press conference following the 'Coalition of the Willing' summit on security guarantees for Ukraine in Paris, July 13, 2026 (AP)

Separately, US President Donald Trump said he still believes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is ready to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine soon, despite ongoing attacks and some indications that Moscow might escalate the conflict. Trump added in an interview with Fox News when asked about his conversations with Putin: 'I think he is ready to reach a deal.' The interview was recorded Tuesday and aired Wednesday. Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin rejects calls for peace negotiations with Kyiv, and is likely to escalate the conflict, now in its fifth year. Trump had promised to reach an agreement to end the war on the first day of his presidency in January 2025.

Rescue teams work at a residential building partially destroyed by a Russian missile strike targeting the Ukrainian capital Kyiv (AFP)

On the ground, Ukraine targeted 20 Russian tankers in the Black Sea, according to Ukrainian Drone Forces Commander Robert Brovdi via the Telegram app.

Bloomberg news agency quoted Brovdi as saying that 17 oil tankers, two gas carriers, and one tugboat were attacked overnight in the Black Sea.

It is noted that 116 ships have been attacked in recent days in the Sea of Azov. Brovdi said: 'The first round of the naval battle is over. Now the Black Sea.'

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