Build with Ukraine program: Ukraine will open weapons production abroad, – Zelenskyy

Build with Ukraine program: Ukraine will open weapons production abroad, – Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of the Build with Ukraine program. The relevant agreements on the start of exporting Ukrainian technologies abroad will be signed by the summer by opening production lines in European countries.

As stated in the president’s message on his official Telegram page, production will be opened in those countries that provide assistance to Ukraine – financing the production of drones and beginning financing the production of missiles in Ukraine.

"We will provide the relevant technologies and produce weapons in their countries for us and for them: drones of various types, missiles, and possibly artillery. Agreements have already been reached. During the war, we plan to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces with all of this," he stated.

The president clarified that there are already preliminary agreements with a number of countries. Among the leaders are Denmark, as well as Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. The private sector is also involved in the negotiations, adds a Hromadske correspondent who was present at the meeting with Zelenskyy.

"This year we found $43 billion for the defence industry. This is funding to support the Ukrainian defense industry. Ukraine is a part of Europe’s security, and we want 0.25% of GDP from each partner state to be allocated to our defense industry and domestic production next year," said Zelenskyy.

The president also emphasized that the current year will be a record one in terms of support from allies – both financially and within the framework of arms supply contracts. At the same time, Ukraine is preparing new agreements with NATO partners – primarily regarding investments in the production of technologies, drones, and artillery shells.

What is known about joint production

Recall: During the 28th “Ramstein” meeting, a decision was made regarding the joint production of Ukrainian weapons in partner countries for our state. Everything produced at such enterprises will go to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army while the war is ongoing. Our partners confirmed their readiness to fully finance these productions and foresee additional funding.

Ukraine plans to develop joint weapons production with Germany based on domestic military-industrial technologies. This partnership is aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries and ensuring sustainable technological exchange amid modern security challenges.

In addition, our country proposed joint production of air defense systems with France. It is noted that this will be a mutually beneficial partnership.