Ukraine calls on Western partners to boost military production and, beyond all expectations, hints at a new level of international defense cooperation
President Volodymyr Zelensky made an urgent appeal to the global community, proposing that each allied country allocate at least 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to support Ukraine and increase the production of modern weaponry. This initiative was announced during a recent press conference held by the president in Kyiv. According to Zelensky, such financial support can significantly enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and help prevent potential threats along the country's eastern borders. Sources, including Reuters, report that this call is one of the key priorities of Ukraine’s new strategic approach to international cooperation. "Ukraine is an integral part of European security. We want all our Western partners to allocate no less than 0.25% of their GDP for the support of Ukraine’s defense sector," Zelensky emphasized in his speech. This is not just a call to increase military funding but also a concrete proposal that could facilitate the creation of new facilities for producing modern weapons directly within partner countries. According to the Ukrainian president, Ukraine plans to sign a series of important agreements this summer that will open the doors for active technology exchanges in military manufacturing. This includes not only technology transfer but also the development of full-scale production chains, enabling the creation of modern weapon samples right in partner countries. Several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania, have already reached agreements. These arrangements involve the launch of joint enterprises for the production of weapons, including drones, missiles, and even artillery systems. The private sector also plays a significant role in this process, as investing companies aim not only to secure manufacturing contracts but also to become active participants in technological exchange. Zelensky states that these efforts are likely to involve establishing comprehensive production lines that will enable the manufacturing of high-tech weaponry not only in Ukraine but also in partner countries. "We will provide our technologies and produce military equipment for Ukraine and our partners. This will be a mutually beneficial process that enhances our defense capabilities and ensures quick access to modern weapons for all parties," Zelensky declared. He also emphasized that special attention will be paid to security and technology control. "No technology received should fall into the hands of countries sympathetic to Russia or that pursue policies opposed to our state," the president stressed. This commitment to Ukraine’s strategic interests is key to building a modern national defense shield and strengthening partnerships with Western countries. According to this plan, joint production will not only serve as a guarantee of increased national defense but also as a crucial step toward Ukraine’s military independence. It will also enable partner countries to strengthen their own defense industries and ensure their populations modern and effective protection in the future. Overall, Zelensky’s initiative sends a signal to the international community—that, at a time when the security of Europe and the world is under threat, Ukraine calls for action capable of significantly shifting the balance of power and creating new opportunities for joint defense.