Deputy Minister of Defense Yuriy Myronenko spoke at the European Defence Innovation Forum 2025, highlighting Ukraine’s key role in shaping the continent’s defense-industrial future. He emphasized that in the context of full-scale war, innovation has become a matter of survival.
“Ukraine has become a stronghold for game-changing solutions: high-tech defense systems and autonomous platforms. The nature of combat in Ukraine is constantly evolving — and our ability to adapt faster than the enemy determines our advantage,” Myronenko said.
He stressed that Ukraine has transformed from a consumer of defense products into a partner without whom European security is incomplete.
The Deputy Minister highlighted successful initiatives such as ‘Build with Ukraine’ and ‘Build in Ukraine’, which create a new model of cooperation. These programs allow European partners to access technologies proven in real combat conditions, while providing Ukraine with critical resources to scale production. Myronenko noted that Dutch investments in Ukrainian technologies, including interceptor drones, help save lives and strengthen Ukraine’s resilience.
He underlined that European investment in Ukrainian technology is an investment in shared security and expressed gratitude to international partners for their support and confidence in Ukraine.
The forum was also attended by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, along with representatives from ministries, defense agencies, regional business development agencies, defense companies, investment funds, and startups from the Netherlands and other EU countries
