At the Defense Industry Forum in The Hague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on partners to take a more active role in joint defense production, supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and strengthening European security.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine’s defense production potential has already surpassed $35 billion. This includes nearly one thousand types of products – from artillery and traditional armored vehicles to advanced drones of all types and missiles. However, about 40% of this potential lacks proper funding. As an example, the President noted that Ukraine is capable of producing over 8 million drones of various types annually, provided sufficient financing is available.
“At the same time, Russia is using not only its oil revenues for defense, but also the resources of regimes like North Korea and Iran, and Russia’s corrupt connections in other countries. So our united solidarity is the best answer to Russia’s war network,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President noted that Ukraine is open to various forms of cooperation in the defense sector, including sharing its expertise and achievements with those countries that help the most.
He also called on European countries to increase their defense spending, as Vladimir Putin’s objectives reach beyond Ukraine – Russia is planning new military operations on the territory of NATO member states.
“We believe that 5% of GDP is the right level. A united Europe can create a defense capability that will destroy Russia’s illusion that war with Europe could bring it anything,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called on partners to ensure that their countries and companies are in no way assisting Russia and its accomplices. According to him, there is not a single significant Russian weapon today that is produced without components, equipment, or materials from other countries.
“This must stop. Such components can be found in every Russian missile, in most of their drones, and in military vehicles. And it’s not just China – also Taiwan, some of these parts come from European countries and from the United States. Every single component or machine tool delivered to Russia’s defense sector helps prolong the war and is a crime against peace,” the President concluded.
