The EU Defence Innovation Office, previously announced, is already operating in Kyiv, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The EU Defence Innovation Office is already working with EU staff here in Kyiv and a support team in Brussels, and it will serve as a hub to connect the Ukrainian and European defense industries, she stated during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Von der Leyen emphasized that this will benefit both sides, as Ukraine's defense industry is one of the most advanced.

Therefore, the EU is looking forward to deepening its ties in this field even before Ukraine joins the European Union, she added.

On February 24, 2024, von der Leyen announced the establishment of the EU Defense Innovation Office in Kyiv during a joint press conference with President Zelenskyy.

Earlier, on August 30, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that the EU would open a Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv, possibly in September.