Zelenskyy urges Europe to fund Ukraine’s $35-billion arms production potential
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European partners to boost investment in weapons production, particularly in Ukraine, during a speech to the Defense Industry Forum in the Netherlands on Tuesday.
“Our weapons production potential has exceeded $35 billion. This includes about 1,000 types of products—from artillery and traditional armored vehicles to advanced drones of all types and missiles. But around 40% of this potential lacks the necessary funding. This is a problem,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that Ukraine could produce over 8 million drones of various types annually, but current funding limits output significantly.
“Meanwhile, Russia uses not only oil revenues for defense but also resources from regimes in North Korea, Iran, and corrupt ties in other countries,” Zelenskyy added.
He urged European nations to increase investments in Ukraine’s defense industry, stating, “All the weapons we produce become part of a new, strong European defense and security system.”