Air defense and funding top Ukraine’s agenda for NATO talks, lawmaker says.

Why air defense and NATO cooperation matter

According to Espreso.tv: Ukrainian lawmaker Oksana Yurynets has stressed that securing air defense systems and financial support must be the priority in negotiations with NATO. She argued that Ukraine should approach these talks not just as a recipient of aid, but as an active partner.

'First and foremost, it’s definitely air defense,' Yurynets said.

Upcoming events and Ukraine’s backing

A NATO summit is set for July 7–8 in Ankara, where security discussions are expected to focus on shifting the battlefield dynamic in Ukraine’s favor. On June 25, Politico published a draft of the summit’s final statement, which is likely to include key points on support for Ukraine. Other critical topics include preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and treating Russia as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security.

On June 27, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed large-scale aid for Ukraine, signaling growing support from allies. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 8—a step that could significantly advance U.S.-Ukraine relations.

'Why is this important? Because the Ukrainian president himself has pointed it out,' Yurynets noted.

Ultimately, securing air defense and financial assistance remains critical for Ukraine. The upcoming NATO summit will be a pivotal moment for shaping regional security, and Ukraine must maintain a strong, proactive stance to deepen its partnerships with global allies and secure the support it needs.