**Ukraine’s Defense Potential: A Call to Action**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted a crucial issue affecting Ukraine’s defense capabilities. During the recent NATO summit, he emphasized that while his country has the capacity to produce over 8 million drones of various types each year, it lacks the financial backing to reach this potential.
According to Zelensky, nearly $35 billion in defense production is within Ukraine’s grasp, but around 40% of this potential remains unfunded. This shortfall hampers the country’s ability to meet its military needs, particularly when it comes to producing the drones and other advanced technologies that are essential for defending against Russia’s growing military network.
**A Call to Invest in Joint Weapons Production**
Zelensky urged NATO allies to scale up investments in joint weapons production, including drone technologies, artillery, and interceptors. He stressed that Ukraine’s defense capabilities are not only crucial for its own territorial security but also essential for strengthening the alliance’s long-term security.
“We must lead in the drone race, both in strike drones and interceptors,” Zelensky said. “Please increase your investments in Ukraine and joint weapons production. All the weapons we produce become part of a new, stronger European defense and security system.”
**Russia’s Network of Supporters**
The Ukrainian president also emphasized that Russia is not acting alone but as part of a broader network of state and non-state actors, including North Korea, Iran, and Chinese companies, which support its war effort against Ukraine. This network poses a long-term threat to Europe.
“The source of this war and the long-term threat to Europe is Russia,” Zelensky said. “But in reality, we are not just facing Russia alone. We are facing a network of state and non-state actors.”
**NATO’s Role**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that NATO’s role is to ensure Ukraine has the military means to stay in the fight until serious peace negotiations begin.
Zelensky also appealed for a crackdown on supply chains that allow Russia to sustain its weapons manufacturing. He pointed out that Western-origin components are often used in Russian missiles, drones, and armored vehicles.
**A Call to Action**
As NATO leaders gather in The Hague, Zelensky’s speech comes at a critical moment. The Ukrainian president is urging allies to scale up investments in joint weapons production, increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, and dedicate at least 0.25% of GDP to support Ukraine’s military needs directly.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with recent attacks by Russian forces causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
**A New Era in Defense Cooperation**
In a positive development, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an industrial military co-production agreement between the UK and Ukraine. This deal will see Airbus train local specialists in aircraft maintenance, marking a significant step forward in defense cooperation between the two countries.
As the international community grapples with the challenges posed by Russia’s aggression, Zelensky’s call to action serves as a reminder that collective action is needed to ensure the security and stability of Europe.
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