Ukraine to launch arms production in Europe this summer: Zelensky
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveils plans to launch weapons production lines across Europe this summer, aiming to manufacture drones, missiles, and more.
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Canadian PM Mark Carney, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, at a meeting during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, in Alberta, Canada, Tuesday June 17, 2025 (AP)
This summer, production lines for Ukrainian weapons will be launched in several European countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday.
"We’ve launched the Build with Ukraine program. This summer, we’ll sign agreements to begin exporting our defense technologies, opening production lines in partner countries. These weapons will be made for both them and us," the Ukrainian President posted on X.
Ukraine intends to produce various types of drones, missiles, and potentially artillery in several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania, as reported by Ukrainian broadcaster Hromadske.
Russia has repeatedly emphasized that Western arms deliveries to Ukraine undermine efforts to resolve the military conflict, arguing that such support effectively draws NATO countries into the crisis, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioning that any shipments carrying weapons destined for Ukrainian forces will be considered legitimate military targets by Russia.
French firms to make drones in Ukraine
On June 7, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that a major French automaker and a defense firm would partner to produce drones in Ukraine.
During an interview with LCI, French Defense Minister Lecornu revealed that an undisclosed major French automaker and a mid-sized defense company would jointly establish drone production facilities in Ukraine—an unprecedented partnership, though he withheld the companies' names, stating they would disclose further details independently.
The French minister highlighted that this collaboration would not only bolster Ukraine's capabilities but also enhance the French military's readiness by offering continuous tactical and operational training through real-world combat conditions, particularly in electronic warfare and remote drone operations.
European Nations bolster support for Ukraine
On June 2, the United Kingdom released its updated Strategic Defense Review, labeling Russia as an "immediate and pressing threat" while pledging sustained military and economic assistance to Ukraine through annual funding commitments reaching £3 billion ($4 billion), with the explicit promise to maintain this support indefinitely.
The UK plans to not only strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities but also create joint ventures with Kyiv while supporting Ukraine's integration into global markets, thereby expanding a long-term bilateral partnership.
Before the Strategic Defense Review on June 1, the British Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the United Kingdom would invest $2 billion in new arms factories as part of a rearmament initiative.
