Koretsky Held His First Conversation With Von Der Leyen
- 20.07.2026, 18:03
They discussed preparations for winter and defense against Russian missiles.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi held his first conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The two discussed Ukraine’s further progress toward the EU, preparations for the new heating season, and strengthening defenses against Russian ballistic attacks.
This was reported on Monday, July 20, by the government’s press service.
Koretsky assured von der Leyen that, following the reshuffle of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ukraine will continue to implement the necessary reforms and fulfill its commitments within the framework of European integration.
The prime minister expressed hope that the European Union would remain united in its support for Ukraine and that accession negotiations would continue to move forward.
The parties paid special attention to preparations for the heating season. In particular, they discussed securing additional funding for gas purchases and the restoration of energy infrastructure, which is regularly subjected to attacks by Russia.
Koretsky noted that Ukraine has already received 8.1 billion euros under the Ukraine Support Loan program and is counting on the timely disbursement of the next tranches of macro-financial assistance and funds under the Ukraine Facility.
The conversation also touched on increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and the shortage of interceptor missiles needed to counter Russian ballistic missiles.
“I appealed to the European Commission to help ensure that Ukraine receives, as soon as possible, the resources necessary to protect the lives of our people. We agreed that more active cooperation is needed within the framework of a joint project to counter ballistic threats,” the prime minister noted.
Ursula von der Leyen, for her part, pledged continued support for Ukraine, particularly in carrying out the reforms necessary to advance on the path to EU membership, as well as in efforts to improve the management of the energy sector.