Zelenskyy explains what is needed to grow defense production in Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with CEOs and top managers of defense companies from partner countries. The event was part of the Second International Defense Industry Forum.

This was reported by the Press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine on Wednesday, September 2.

Defense production in Ukraine

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's defense production has increased significantly since the start of the full-scale invasion, but further development will require foreign expertise, access to supply chains and advanced technologies.

According to him, there have already been significant results following the first Defense Industry Forum. These include the maintenance of light artillery, the localization of assault rifle production, and the establishment of facilities for producing ammunition for small arms.

The head of state thanked the leaders of the world's leading defense companies for their support of Ukraine.

"We are very pleased to see you in Ukraine. We count on greater support because, unfortunately, the war has not stopped. And we are grateful for everything we can do together now and in the future. We look forward to our partnership not only during the war," Zelenskyy added.

Prevously, the Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Ukraine will increase its production of drones, long-range weapons, and ballistic missiles in 2025. New defense agreements have been signed to achieve these goals.

Earlier, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is capable of producing four million drones annually. He also mentioned that in the first half of 2024 alone, Ukraine produced 25 times more ammunition for artillery and mortars than in the entire year of 2022.