--- title: "Zelenskyy and Aliyev in Dublin: Scaling the 'Drone Deal' and Supporting Ukrainian Infrastructure Before Winter" description: "At the European Political Community summit in Dublin, Zelenskyy and Aliyev discussed scaling drone contracts and supporting Ukrainian critical infrastructure ahead of winter." date: 2026-11-12T15:13:37.025Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-aliyev-dublin-epc-drone-deal-winter tags: [ukraine, azerbaijan, epc, dublin, energy, drones] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Zelenskyy and Aliyev in Dublin: Scaling the 'Drone Deal' and Supporting Ukrainian Infrastructure Before Winter ![President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy shaking hands at the EPC summit](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/12/zelenyi-aliyev-dublin-eps-drone-deal-zima/zelenyi-aliyev-dublin-eps-drone-deal-zima-1.webp) ## Key Points - On November 12, at the EPC summit in Dublin, Zelenskyy held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. - The parties discussed scaling the 'Drone Deal' contracts and the presence of Azerbaijani business in Ukraine. - Zelenskyy asked Azerbaijan to support Ukrainian critical infrastructure and logistics before winter; teams were instructed to work on the issue. - Azerbaijan has previously provided Ukraine with generators and electrical equipment, and its Foreign Ministry has signaled readiness to supply gas. On November 12, the European Political Community (EPC) summit is taking place in Dublin, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participating. His program began with talks with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. According to the Ukrainian leader, relations between the two countries continue to develop, so this time the parties focused on priority areas of cooperation rather than formalities. Zelenskyy announced this on his Telegram channel, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. ### 'Drone Deal' and the Presence of Azerbaijani Business The central topic of discussion was the so-called 'Drone Deal' — a package of contracts concluded in the field of unmanned systems. Zelenskyy emphasized that work to scale up the order is already underway. Separately, the President of Ukraine noted the presence of Azerbaijani business in the country: according to him, companies are staying and continuing to work "for our people, often despite cowardly Russian strikes." This, as Zelenskyy emphasized, is valued by Kyiv. ### Supporting Critical Infrastructure Before Winter The presidents also discussed the challenges Ukraine is facing against the backdrop of increased Russian attacks. Zelenskyy stated that he would be grateful if Azerbaijan could "find an opportunity to support Ukrainian critical infrastructure and logistics before winter." According to him, the teams of both countries have been instructed to work on this issue. Earlier, Zelenskyy also ordered a review of reports from the regions regarding the heating situation, which makes the issue of energy resilience ahead of the winter period particularly sensitive. ### Context: Humanitarian Aid and Energy Cooperation Baku's position and practical support for Kyiv have a history. As reported by Vedomosti, in October 2026, Azerbaijan handed over 11 energy generators to Ukraine ahead of winter, as announced by the Ukrainian Ambassador to the republic, Yuriy Gusev. Since the start of the hostilities, Azerbaijan has been providing humanitarian aid, including energy equipment. On August 6, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed readiness to supply natural gas if needed, noting that the state oil company SOCAR has long been operating in the Ukrainian market and has plans to expand energy cooperation. In January 2026, the republic sent a new shipment of aid that included electrical equipment. ### Political Framework and Moscow's Reaction Azerbaijan's political position also remains in focus: in July 2026, Ilham Aliyev called on the Ukrainian side to "never agree to occupation" and reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the inviolability of its borders. The Kremlin previously labeled this position as erroneous. Thus, the talks in Dublin became another stage where bilateral cooperation — from drone contracts to energy support before winter — is moving into a practical dimension. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Азербайджан поможет усилить Украину в преддверии зимы, - Зеленский](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/azerbaydzhan-dopomozhe-posiliti-ukrayinu-1794489130.html) - Primary source: Zelenskyy's statement on talks with Aliyev in Dublin, 'Drone Deal', and request for support for critical infrastructure before winter. - [Азербайджан передал Украине генераторы в преддверии зимы](https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2026/10/19/1238113-azerbaidzhan-peredal) - Context: Transfer of 11 generators, readiness for gas supplies (Bayramov, Aug 6), SOCAR operations, Aliyev's statement in July, and the Kremlin's reaction. ## FAQ ### Where and when did the talks between Zelenskyy and Aliyev take place? On November 12 in Dublin, as part of the European Political Community summit; the talks were the first item on Zelenskyy's agenda. ### What did the presidents agree upon or decide to work on? They discussed scaling the 'Drone Deal' contracts, the presence of Azerbaijani business in Ukraine, and support for critical infrastructure and logistics ahead of winter; teams have been tasked with addressing the latter issue. ### Has Azerbaijan provided aid to Ukraine before? Yes: in October 2026, 11 generators were transferred, in January electrical equipment was provided, and previously humanitarian aid with energy equipment was sent; the Foreign Ministry stated readiness for gas supplies.