Ukraine's defense industry is increasing its production and technological potential, but to fully utilize its capacities, it requires support from partners, including direct investments and the use of profits from frozen Russian assets.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boyev addressed the defense policy directors of EU countries during a meeting in Brussels. He thanked the countries that have already invested in Ukraine's defense industry and urged others to join.
“It is important that 400 million euros from the first tranche of frozen Russian assets have already gone to support the 'Danish model.' We also expect the second tranche of 1.9 billion euros to be provided as soon as possible. This will allow us to use these funds for our most crucial production and procurement needs: ammunition, air defense systems, and missiles,” said Serhiy Boyev.
He briefed European colleagues on key points of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Victory Plan and provided information about the situation on the frontlines, North Korea’s military involvement in escalating the war in Ukraine, and emphasized urgent defense needs for the Armed Forces.
“Only in October, Russia launched over 2,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine. That’s why Ukraine still needs more air defense systems and a sufficient number of munitions for these systems,” Boyev stated.
Serhiy Boyev also thanked EU representatives for their efforts in supplying artillery munitions and for the adoption of the Act on Ammunition Production Support. This Act is aimed at increasing ammunition production capacities across Europe, assisting member states in replenishing stocks, and supplying munitions to Ukraine.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister thanked for the extension of the EU mission to train Ukrainian soldiers for the next two years. He called for the possibility of expanding the mission to Ukrainian territory, which would positively impact the speed and effectiveness of training, as well as reduce logistical burdens.
During the meeting, the directors of defense policy from EU countries raised the issue of blocked assistance within the European Peace Fund, amounting to 6.6 billion euros, which is intended to compensate EU member states for their military support to Ukraine. Another topic discussed was the planning of financial and material aid for 2025.
