Ukraine News Updates – April 09, 2026
TEKEVER Joins Diia.City to Set Up Ukraine Drone R&D Center
Drone systems developer TEKEVER has joined Diia.City, and will open an R&D center in Ukraine. The company plans to develop new intelligence solutions, with work focused on improving communications, increasing autonomy, and strengthening resistance to electronic interference. TEKEVER said it chose Diia.City, because of its tax framework and legal tools. Ukrainian officials say the move will support the development of defense technology and create jobs for local engineers.
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Seeds of Bravery Wraps Up, Delivering €12M in Grants to 318 Ukrainian Startups
The EU-funded Seeds of Bravery program, launched in December 2023 to support Ukrainian tech businesses during wartime, is concluding after 2.5 years. During that period, 318 startups received a total of €12 million in grants, expanded into new markets, and built partnerships in Europe. Participants also joined international conferences, used coworking spaces across Europe, and held hundreds of meetings with potential clients, investors, and corporate partners.
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EU Greenlights €1.5B Defence Industry Programme for Europe and Ukraine
The European Commission has approved a €1.5 billion work program under the European Defence Industry Programme to strengthen defense production in Europe and Ukraine. More than €700 million will support critical capabilities, including counter-drone systems, missiles, and ammunition, while €260 million is allocated to modernizing Ukraine’s defense industry through joint projects with EU partners. The program also includes funding for joint procurement, SMEs, and defense startups, with new calls for proposals already beginning.
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EBRD Rolls Out €2B Energy Security Facility in Ukraine
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has launched a €2 billion program in Ukraine to finance energy resilience projects. The Energy Security Support Facility will provide households, businesses, and local communities with access to partner-bank loans, while small and medium-sized enterprises, individuals, and homeowners’ associations may also receive grants. Eligible projects include renewable energy, energy storage, building efficiency upgrades, and small-scale generation of up to 50 MW.
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Ukraine Outpaces Russia in Drone Strikes for the First Time
In March, Ukraine launched more cross-border strike drones than Russia used against Ukraine for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to an ABC News report citing official Russian and Ukrainian data. Russia said it had downed 7,347 Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine reported detecting 6,462 Russian drones and 138 missiles. The article says the shift reflects Ukraine’s expanding long-range strike capabilities, including attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
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HENSOLDT Opens Ukraine Hub to Accelerate TRML-4D Radar Support
German defense technology company HENSOLDT has opened a local service and innovation hub in Ukraine. The center will support maintenance of TRML-4D air defense radars, introduce training programs for Ukrainian specialists, and help speed up repairs. The company also says the hub will connect Ukrainian defense innovation with European industrial standards and scalable systems. HENSOLDT, based near Munich, develops radar, sensor, and AI-based defense technologies.
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KAI and Athlon Avia Launch AVIA Lab to Train Ukraine's Next Drone Engineers
Kyiv Aviation Institute has launched the AVIA Lab aviation modeling laboratory in partnership with Ukrainian drone manufacturer Athlon Avia. The program allows students and school pupils to study aerodynamics, build model aircraft, develop drone-related projects, and practice flights in the university hangar. More than 60 students completed the first course, while the second group includes over 30 participants from several universities and schools. The lab is also being expanded with new engineering equipment.
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Ukraine's Sahaidachnyi Center Launches Tracker of Russia's Campaign in Europe
Ukraine’s Sahaidachnyi Security Center has launched an online tracker documenting alleged Russian sabotage and hybrid operations across Europe. The database currently includes 37 incidents recorded since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, covering attacks on infrastructure, energy facilities, logistics, cyber systems, and information space. The project aims to show links between these actions within a broader campaign. It also includes escalation scenarios and practical guidance for civilians, businesses, local authorities, and media.