Ukraine seeks collaborative defense production ventures with global powerhouses, offers special incentives

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged global defense companies Saturday to conduct joint production.

Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov attended the first international defense industry forum held in Kyiv, where more than 252 defense companies from over 30 countries participated.

"Manufacturers of weapons and military equipment from all around the world, by joining the basic declaration of this alliance, can demonstrate their readiness to build the arsenal of the free world alongside Ukraine," said Zelenskyy.

He held meetings with representatives from defense companies from Türkiye, the US, the UK, Germany, France, Sweden and the Czech Republic, who came to Kyiv, according to a statement from his office.

“Our priority is the development of defense production using modern technologies, including the production of shells, missiles, and drones in Ukraine, in cooperation with global leaders in this field,” he wrote on X.

“During the meeting with representatives … we discussed the prospects for partnership and joint arms production.

“Ukraine is ready to offer special conditions to companies willing to develop defense production together with our country,” he added.