Ukraine aims for record-breaking defense production in 2024 – Zelensky

During this year, Ukraine should reach the maximum Ukrainian defense production for the entire period of independence.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in his evening video address.

During the Staff meeting, the president stated that he received a report from the military regarding the main strategies to be implemented on the front. In addition, a thorough analysis of ammunition levels was conducted. Notably, there has been a significant improvement in the army's logistics.

"There were reports from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategy and Industry regarding contracts for supplying weapons and shells from partner countries and our production. This year, we must and will achieve the maximum Ukrainian defense production for the entire period of independence. And every year, we will invariably add to our potential, which is Ukraine's obvious strategic perspective," Zelensky said.

He noted that Ukraine will invariably add to Ukraine's potential every year – an obvious strategic perspective of Ukraine.

He expressed his gratitude to all those who work for this, giving all their strength and to all those who really help – to every leader, every state, and every company in the world who are with Ukraine.

Also, at the Staff meeting, there was a government report on the construction of fortifications.

"A few things today regarding our communication with our partners. I spoke with the President-elect of Indonesia. We appreciate the relations that have already been achieved between our countries. In Indonesia, the Ukrainian peace formula was presented for the first time. And during this time that has passed, the Peace Formula, step by step step by step, becomes global – unites the world majority. States and leaders from all continents have already joined the work on the Formula, and we are now preparing for the first inaugural Global Peace Summit. Today, I invited Indonesia to participate. Senator Lindsey visited Ukraine today. Graham is a representative of the Republican Party. We talked in particular about how important it is that freedom and democracy win now, in this war, and here in Ukraine, or Russian aggression and chaos will spread across the world. I briefed the senator on the situation on the battlefield, about the main needs of our Defense Forces. Quite obvious needs. "Patriots", "ATACMS", F-16. And, of course, artillery. We discussed further cooperation and support of Ukraine. All our actions must be far-sighted, far-reaching, and just so effective that they will enable all free nations to continue to live in freedom and security. I am grateful to everyone in the United States who feels as we do that freedom must always win," the head of state said.

 

Zelensky thanked the leadership of the European Union and all member states for creating a new Fund to help Ukraine within the framework of the European Peace Fund. The amount is 5 billion euros, which will go to support Ukrainian defense actions this year. It is also expected that this Fund will become a component of the general security agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.

"Thank you to all our people who fight and work for Ukraine and Ukrainians who support each of our cities and communities. And above all, those currently facing the most challenges: the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, and Mykolaiv regions, as well as Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions, and our Odesa. We are doing everything possible to add more protection and strength to Ukraine and each of our regions. Thank you to everyone in the world who is with Ukraine!" the president summed up.

For reference:

On December 19, during a press conference, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that one million drones would be produced in Ukraine next year.

In addition to 1 million FPV drones, in 2024, more than 10,000 medium-range strike drones and more than 1,000 drones with a range of 1,000 km will be produced.

The Ukrainian market for the production of drones is actively developing; more than 100 companies manufacture drones in the country.

Earlier, the head of Ukraine's Security Service announced that a unique marine surface drone, "Sea Baby," was produced in Ukraine. The production of these drones is located in Ukraine, but the factories are located underground.

The State Special Forces recently reported that they had ordered hundreds of domestically produced drones from Ukroboronprom. They will be ready by the end of the year.

In addition, according to the Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine has established serial production of the domestic analog of Shakhed UAVs. Dozens of such drones can be produced in a month.

Furthermore, engineers from Kryvyi Rih have commenced mass production of domestic strike UAVs based on the Cobra aircraft model, with a flight range of up to 300 km.

It is worth adding that the construction of the Bayraktar drone production plant continues in Ukraine. It is planned to produce more than 100 units of drones every year.