Read-out by President von der Leyen following her call with President Zelenskyy

I just had a phone call with President Zelenskyy.

Russia is relentlessly targeting Kyiv, trying to make daily life impossible for its inhabitants.

We stand with them. And with all Ukrainians.

Tomorrow, we will disburse another €3.3 billion to Ukraine, to procure missiles and drones.

Last week, we approved EU funding for Patriot systems through our Ukraine Support Loan.

But clearly more is needed.

This is why I announced that we were ready to use remaining funds from SAFE to launch a new programme for joint EU-Ukraine defence projects.

We want to develop together a European air and missile defence system, building on our joint anti-ballistic Freya system.

So that we can combine Ukraine's battlefield experience and innovation with Europe's technology and industrial strength.

Our support goes well beyond defence.

We have already mobilised nearly €15 billion for Ukraine this year. 

More is coming.

We discussed the reforms needed in the Rada to unlock further funding and to keep Ukraine moving forward on its path to our Union.

Next week, I will be at the UN General Assembly in New York.

My message to Ukraine's friends around the world will be simple:

Europe is stepping up. Now others must step up their support too.