Ukraine and U.S. Forge Defense Collaboration: December Conference to Boost Military Industry

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced on Friday that a conference focusing on the military industry will be held with the United States in December. The purpose of this conference is to address concerns about dwindling Western stockpiles by actively working on producing Ukraine’s own weapons. Zelensky envisions the event as a collaborative effort between Ukrainian and American industries, government officials, and other stakeholders involved in enhancing the country’s defense capabilities.

During his address, Zelensky revealed plans for the conference but did not specify the location. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Kiev and Washington in addressing the challenge of joint weapon production, citing progress in this area.

Zelensky underscored the steps taken during his visit to Washington, where he and President Biden agreed on specific measures to strengthen both Ukrainian and American defense capabilities, as well as partnerships with other nations.

Previous initiatives showcase Ukraine’s commitment to revitalizing its domestic industry. In October, a joint defense project with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG was initiated for the repair of Western weapons. Furthermore, a significant international defense industry forum took place in September, featuring over 250 Western arms manufacturers.

Addressing another aspect of national security, Zelensky mentioned discussions on Ukraine’s missile program with the military, expressing optimism about the program’s increasingly favorable and enduring outcomes for the country.