Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he expects the new government to take concrete steps to increase the share of weapons produced in the country to 50% within six months. This is reported by Reuters, reports News.bg.
As part of the political changes carried out this week, Zelensky nominated Yulia Sviridenko for prime minister. She is known for her role in negotiating a minerals agreement with the United States. The previous prime minister, Denys Shmygal, was proposed for defense minister (in place of Rustem Umerov). These personnel decisions come against the backdrop of a diplomatic stalemate over the war with Russia and increased efforts for economic recovery and industrial development.
Zelensky stressed that he and Shmygal and Umerov had reached a common decision: the Defense Ministry should have a stronger role in the development of the military-industrial sector. Currently, approximately 40% of the weapons used by Ukrainian forces on the front are domestically produced. The president set a goal of increasing this share to at least 50% by expanding the capacity of the domestic industry. He said this was “achievable, although difficult”.
Zelensky has long emphasized the importance of increasing national weapons production and deepening joint production with Western partners. The development of drones and air defense systems, key elements in countering the intensive Russian attacks with missiles and drones on Ukrainian cities, remains a priority.