European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday in Kyiv the signing 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, 'What we sign 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 an event 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 citing 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 annually. There was a lot of skepticism everywhere, both domestically and abroad,' adding: 'We will do it together in cooperation 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 anti-drone systems is 'truly unique,' adding that Europe at the same time has 'enormous technological and industrial capacity that can be deployed and safe production sites that can help with development.' Von der Leyen explained that the goal is to combine this 'battle-tested' expertise with the EU's 'enormous technological and industrial capabilities.' She added: 'It's 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 a 'special moment,' saying that Ukraine has gained strong military momentum and 'things are starting 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, specifically targeting oil infrastructure, in an attempt to cripple Moscow's ability to finance its war effort.

Ukrainian soldier prepares to launch an attack drone toward 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' founded by Ukraine's allies. In comments to the German Press Agency, German government spokesman Steffen Kornelius said on Wednesday that the German-French 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 studying how this participation will take place.' German government sources had stated on Tuesday that Germany would not take part in the exercise.

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

Municipal workers clear debris following a Russian strike in Odesa, Ukraine, on Wednesday amid the Russian 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.

This is expected to be a limited-scale exercise, during which command structures and decision-making mechanisms will initially be tested. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Tuesday that Poland, France, and Britain will participate in these drills.

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 on Monday that this force is already ready for deployment.

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

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 on July 13, 2026 (AP)

In related news, 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 continued attacks and some signs that Moscow may escalate the conflict. Trump added in an interview with Fox News when asked about his talks with Putin: 'I think he is ready to reach an agreement.' 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 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 a 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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