UPDATE - Zelenskyy holds talks with Aliyev, Pavel on energy, defense support in Munich

​​​​​​​ADDS ZELENSKYY'S MEETING WITH AZERBAIJANI, CZECH PRESIDENTS

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Saturday with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Czechia on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference to discuss energy infrastructure support and the continuation of ammunition supplies.

During his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Zelenskyy briefed him on the status of Ukraine’s energy system following Russian strikes and expressed gratitude for a recent energy support package.

"We discussed the development of bilateral relations and the implementation of projects in the energy sector, in which Azerbaijan is interested," Zelenskyy said, adding that the two leaders also focused on the negotiation process for achieving a "dignified peace."

In his meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel, the Ukrainian leader discussed military support and the "Czech initiative" to supply artillery ammunition.

"I thanked him for the Czech initiative to supply ammunition to our country and for its continuation," Zelenskyy stated, noting that Ukraine expects deliveries to proceed without delays.

The discussion also covered cooperation in joint defense programs, including potential Czech participation in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative and joint projects under the SAFE instrument.

Earlier, Zelenskyy met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss the funding and expansion of the PURL initiative, which facilitates the purchase of missiles for air defense systems.

"Ukraine deeply values every country’s contribution. We are counting on continued funding for this initiative," Zelenskyy said during that meeting.

He said the discussion touched upon strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities through joint ventures in Europe and expressed gratitude for the "highly productive" meeting in the Ramstein format, where partners confirmed the allocation of €38 billion in military aid for the war-torn country.

At the annual forum, Zelenskyy termed European "unity" as the "best interceptor" against threats. He also insisted that elections in Ukraine can only take place two months after a ceasefire with Russia is declared.

The PURL initiative, coordinated by NATO, allows partner countries to finance the procurement of US-manufactured weapons to meet Ukraine's most urgent defense needs.

Meanwhile, the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument is a new EU financial mechanism designed to bolster defense capabilities and support joint procurement projects involving Ukraine and EU member states.​​​​​​​