Ukraine Secures Defense Deals Amid EU Loan Hopes

Ukraine has secured significant defense agreements with Germany while hopes rise for a €90bn EU loan after Hungary's election results. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a bilateral drone deal covering drones, missiles, software, and modern defense systems during his visit to Berlin. The agreement includes funding for several hundred Patriot missiles from the United States to bolster Ukraine's air defenses against Russian attacks.

The change in Hungary’s government could help unlock €90bn for Ukraine and give a “new push” for it to join the European Union, according to Marta Kos, the EU’s expansion chief. Orban had an effective veto on the funds, angering other EU leaders. He had tied the veto to a dispute with Ukraine over a damaged pipeline carrying Russian oil.

Zelenskyy also expressed concerns about US peace negotiators' attention being diverted by the war in Iran. He told a German broadcaster that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have helped broker talks with Moscow on ending Russia’s war on Ukraine, were “constantly in talks with Iran” at the moment.

Norway and Ukraine will strengthen their bilateral defense cooperation, including by producing Ukrainian drones in Norway. The agreement allows for the production of drones in both countries and the sharing of data and information. Additionally, US officials announced an extension of sanctions relief on Russian oil company Lukoil for fuel stations outside Russia.