Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized strengthening his country’s air and missile defenses, European security and increasing pressure on Russia in talks with the foreign ministers of Poland, Czechia, Canada, Spain and Portugal on September 2. Ukraine’s European Union accession process and energy support were also among the common topics of the discussions.
Defense and energy on the agenda with Spain and Portugal
In his meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, the participants discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air and missile defenses, countering efforts to destabilize European countries and increasing pressure on Russia.
The sides also addressed risks linked to disinformation and acts of sabotage. Opening the remaining negotiating chapters in Ukraine’s European Union accession process and providing Kyiv with energy support ahead of winter were among the other topics of the meeting.
Sybiha highlighted Spain’s political weight within the European Union and its role in the international maritime sector. He said this role was important for protecting civilian maritime transport, the sustainability of Ukrainian exports and global food security.
The meeting with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and the country’s energy resilience. The sides also discussed Portugal’s future start of a non-permanent term on the United Nations Security Council and its assumption of the Council presidency in January 2027.
Sybiha said he had confirmed that Lisbon would remain focused on Ukraine’s priorities on the international agenda. Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, opening the remaining negotiating chapters, sanctions against Russia and the use of frozen Russian assets in line with Ukraine’s interests were also discussed in the meeting with Portugal.
European security with Poland
The meeting with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski addressed bilateral relations between Kyiv and Warsaw, defense cooperation and joint steps against threats to European security.
Sybiha said security was indivisible and thanked Poland for its support. Sikorski said solidarity with Ukraine was one of the factors affecting Poland’s own security.
Bilateral cooperation with Czechia and Canada
The meeting with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka covered the current situation in Ukraine, the development of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint projects. Sybiha thanked Czechia for its support for Kyiv.
The meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand addressed the implementation of agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries and preparations for future bilateral contacts. Defense cooperation and the return of Ukrainian children were also among the topics discussed.
Sybiha said they needed Canada’s support in various areas, from defense cooperation to the return of Ukrainian children.
