KYIV: Ukraine and the United States have reached an agreement to embark on joint weapons production, a significant step that will enable Ukraine to manufacture air defense systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this partnership on Friday, concluding his visit to the United States.
In his daily address to the Ukrainian people, President Zelensky emphasized the importance of this long-term agreement, stating that it would not only create jobs but also establish a new industrial base in Ukraine. The Ukrainian economy has suffered considerable devastation due to Russia’s invasion and the prolonged conflict.
Zelensky, in a video posted on the presidential website, described the visit to Washington as “very important” and highlighted the substantial results achieved during the trip. He underscored the historical significance of co-producing defense weapons with the United States.
Ukraine has been actively working to enhance its domestic weapons production capabilities, driven by the urgent need for arms and ammunition to defend against Russian attacks along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Russian airstrikes across Ukraine have caused widespread damage and resulted in numerous casualties.
The Ministry for Strategic Industries in Ukraine, responsible for overseeing weapons production, has signed cooperation agreements with three associations representing over 2,000 American defense companies. These agreements pave the way for future collaboration in Ukraine’s defense sector.
“We are preparing to create a new defense ecosystem with the United States to produce weapons that will further strengthen freedom and protect lives together,” President Zelensky stated, refraining from disclosing specific details of the partnership.
The United States' commitment to Ukraine will not weaken.
Putin may still wrongly believe that he can outlast Ukraine.
Putin may doubt our staying power.He’s wrong.
We will stand for liberty and freedom today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes. pic.twitter.com/k1m1BgggvT
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 22, 2023
Ukraine’s Reliance on Western Military Support
Ukraine has long relied on Western military support, and efforts have been made to reduce this dependency by pushing for reforms in the domestic defense industry. These reforms aim to modernize local producers and increase supplies to the frontlines, where Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian aggression.
President Zelensky has previously announced Ukraine’s intention to host an international arms production forum, extending invitations to companies from over 20 countries. Additionally, the government is actively implementing reforms at Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s primary weapons production company, to enhance transparency, production capacity, and cooperation with Western manufacturers.
Ukraine has already initiated several joint projects with Central European producers, focusing on the repair of Ukrainian tanks and vehicles, as well as the development of drone and missile production capabilities. The collaboration with the United States marks a significant step forward in Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce its dependence on external support.
