In a significant meeting held in Brussels on June 18, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever discussed new defense collaborations and strategic initiatives. This high-level dialogue underscored Belgium’s ongoing support in Ukraine’s defense against aggression and its path toward European integration. During the discussions, Prime Minister De Wever detailed the upcoming delivery of Belgium’s F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, a part of a broader defense package aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The first batch of these jets is anticipated to be delivered within the year, with hopes for timely subsequent deliveries. The leaders also explored further contributions to the Partnership for Ukraine’s Reconstruction and Liberation (PURL) initiative and the implementation of projects under the SAFE instrument, which focuses on security and defense collaborations. President Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of these initiatives, especially in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing reform efforts and its aspirations for EU membership. He thanked Belgium for facilitating the opening of negotiation clusters, a crucial step in Ukraine and Moldova’s European integration journey. Additionally, the meeting covered the broader implications of international cooperation, including strengthening sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet and the potential for a security partnership similar to those discussed in the G7 Summit’s Drone Deals format. These discussions are part of a concerted effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense posture while ensuring the country remains on track with its commitments to reform and EU accession. Post navigation EU Drives Auto Sustainability