Zelenskyy discusses defence cooperation with Albanian foreign minister

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed defence cooperation between Ukraine and Albania with Elisa Spiropali, Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Zelenskyy stated that Spiropali's visit to Kyiv was a strong signal of support.

"First and foremost, during the meeting we discussed military cooperation – defence production, the integration of Ukraine and Albania into the European Union, which is a shared goal of our countries, and the development of the PURL initiative, specifically Albania's possible participation in the initiative this year," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Zelenskyy also briefed Spiropali on Ukraine's diplomatic efforts with partners aimed at achieving peace.

"We also discussed strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation. Sanctions are a critically important tool for undermining Russia's ability to continue the war," he said.

Zelenskyy added that he had awarded the Order of Princess Olha, First Class, to Spiropali.

During her visit, Spiropali said Albania would continue providing humanitarian and military support to Ukraine and, in particular, was seeking to join a programme to finance purchases of US weapons for Kyiv.