The key facts

  • Zelensky said the contracts under the 'drone deal' have been signed and the sides are working on increasing orders
  • The Azerbaijani side confirmed discussions on expanding economic ties and noted supplies of electrical equipment to Ukraine
  • Zelensky asked Azerbaijan to support Ukraine's critical infrastructure and logistics ahead of winter

Meeting in Dublin

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met in Dublin on the sidelines of the ninth summit of the European Political Community (EPC). The leaders discussed priority areas of bilateral cooperation, including the agreement on drones, economic ties, and support for Ukraine's infrastructure. On Friday, Dublin will also host an informal summit of the European Council.

Drones and the economy

In his post on X, Zelensky described relations between Baku and Kyiv as 'growing' and said that contracts under the 'drone deal' have already been signed, and the sides are working on increasing orders. According to him, the continuation of Azerbaijani businesses' work in Ukraine despite Russian strikes was also discussed: the companies, as he noted, have remained in the country and continue to serve Ukrainians.

Request for support ahead of winter

Zelensky said the sides discussed the situation in Ukraine in detail, including problems in the energy and transport sectors caused by ongoing Russian strikes. He thanked Aliyev for the assistance already provided and asked Azerbaijan to find a way to support Ukraine's critical infrastructure and logistics ahead of winter, instructing the teams to work on this issue.

The Azerbaijani side's version

The Presidency of Azerbaijan said in a separate statement that the leaders discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic ties, including cooperation between private businesses. According to the statement, Zelensky thanked for humanitarian assistance, primarily supplies of electrical equipment, and noted that Azerbaijan's experience in the restoration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur could be useful for Ukraine. The sides also exchanged views on other matters without disclosing details.