Solutions to win: Ukraine launches underground weapons production

Photo: Narciso Contreras/AA/picture alliance

Alvina Kaminska

Ukraine intends to begin manufacturing its own weapons underground. The primary motivation for this choice is the delay in receiving military assistance.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that at the Ambrozetti International Economic Forum in Italy.

"We are building underground facilities for the production of weapons so that Ukrainian soldiers have the opportunity to defend themselves, even when supplies from our partners are delayed," the Ukrainian head of state said.

Zelensky also added that Ukrainian specialists have already developed new drones and missiles, which, in particular, are used to "return the war to the territory of Russia."

"Sooner or later, Putin will feel the pressure and will only want one thing: peace," the president emphasized.

The president stressed that these steps will help Ukraine not only to protect its military but also to continue offensive actions on the aggressor's territory.

It should be noted that Zelensky arrived in Italy on September 6. As part of his visit, the Ukrainian head of state participated in an economic forum in the city of Cernobbio.

Volodymyr Zelensky also met with representatives of more than 30 leading Italian companies in various fields on the sidelines of the Ambrozetti forum in Italy, with whom he discussed cooperation with Ukrainian companies.

For reference:

In just under eight months this year, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially approved and authorized twice as many units of domestically produced weapons and military equipment for use in Ukraine's armed forces compared to the entire previous year. This accounts for over 200 different types of weapons and equipment, surpassing the numbers achieved in 2023.

Several Ukrainian-manufactured weapons have distinctive features, as evidenced by their performance in actual combat situations. For instance, Ukraine ranks among the top global producers of drones in specific models.

On August 24, during the Independence Day celebrations, Zelensky announced the first successful combat use of the Ukrainian Palianytsa drone-missile.

Also, during a press conference at the "Ukraine 2024. Independence" forum on August 27, the president said that Ukraine had successfully tested a ballistic missile of domestic production for the first time.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has officially codified and approved a defensive fragmentation grenade, which serves as an equivalent of the Soviet F–1, for military use.

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