**Ukraine and Denmark Sign Landmark Agreement on Defense Cooperation**
In a major breakthrough, Ukraine and Denmark have signed an agreement that will allow Ukrainian defense companies to set up production facilities in Denmark. The landmark deal was announced by Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin, who hailed it as a “unique case of international cooperation” for the Ukrainian defense industry.
According to Smetanin, this marks the first time that Ukrainian defense technologies will be exported abroad specifically for supply to Ukraine’s own Armed Forces. Denmark has been a key supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and has already funded weapons production by Ukrainian manufacturers.
**A Step Towards Internationalization**
This agreement is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to internationalize its defense production, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 21. The goal is to scale up domestic and international production by securing financing from foreign partners and matching Ukraine’s growing manufacturing capacity.
The deal comes at a critical time for Ukraine, which has been facing significant challenges in maintaining its military capabilities. The country’s artillery units are struggling with shell shortages, and the Pentagon recently halted shipments of certain weapons due to low munitions stockpiles.
**Russia Escalates Chemical Warfare**
Meanwhile, Russia is escalating its use of chemical warfare against Ukrainian forces, according to a report by the Netherlands Military Intelligence (MIVD). This development has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and military personnel in Ukraine.
In other news, President Zelensky announced that hundreds of Ukrainians who had been held captive in Russian prisons for over two years have been released. The president also expressed his disappointment with a conversation he had with Russian leader Vladimir Putin earlier today.
**Global Reaction**
The US has been facing criticism from both sides of the aisle regarding its response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. President Donald Trump has denied making any progress with Putin on their call, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum favors reducing US reliance on Russian imports rather than expanding trade.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told EU diplomats that Beijing cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, amid fears of a shift in focus towards China. The U.N. has reported a threefold jump in deaths and injuries among children over the past three months.
**Key Developments**
* Ukrainian defense companies will set up production facilities in Denmark.
* This marks the first time that Ukrainian defense technologies are being exported abroad for supply to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
* Russia is escalating its use of chemical warfare against Ukrainian forces.
* Hundreds of Ukrainians have been released from Russian captivity.
* The US has halted shipments of certain weapons due to low munitions stockpiles.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
