Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that Ukraine and the United States have reached an agreement to initiate joint weapons production. This significant step will allow Kyiv to manufacture air defense systems, marking a milestone in their bilateral cooperation.
During his daily address to the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy emphasized that this long-term agreement would not only create employment opportunities but also establish a new industrial base within Ukraine. This is particularly crucial as the country’s economy has faced severe challenges due to Russia’s invasion and ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy stated in a video posted on the presidential website, “It was a very important visit to Washington, yielding very important results. Under this long-term agreement, we will collaborate to ensure that Ukraine, in partnership with the United States, produces essential weaponry. Co-production in the defense sector with the United States is a historic development.”
He further disclosed that the Ministry for Strategic Industries, responsible for overseeing weapons production in Ukraine, had entered into cooperation agreements with three associations comprising over 2,000 defense companies from the United States. These agreements outline potential future collaborations on defense projects within Ukraine.
Ukraine has relied heavily on Western military support, and this joint production initiative aims to reduce its dependence. Zelenskyy and his team have been advocating for reforms in the domestic defense industry to modernize local producers and bolster supplies to the front lines.
The agreement aligns with Ukraine’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defensive capabilities, with the support of international partners, including the United States.
