Ukraine has announced the launch of a new program called “Build with Ukraine,” which involves the establishment of weapons production lines in European countries. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the first agreements for the export of Ukrainian technologies and the opening of joint ventures in countries providing financial support for the development of drones and missile weapons for Ukraine will be signed as early as this summer.
This is reported by Finway
Plans for Joint Production with European Partners
According to the president, production facilities are planned to be deployed in countries that support Ukraine, including Denmark, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. It is expected that these enterprises will manufacture various types of drones, missiles, and possibly artillery. Both governments and the private sector are involved in the process.
“We will provide the necessary technologies and will produce weapons for us and for them in their countries: various types of drones, missiles, and possibly artillery. Agreements are already in place. During the war, we plan to supply all of this to the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” he stated.
The president added that preliminary agreements have already been reached with several countries, with Denmark being the main partner in this process. Negotiations are also ongoing to involve private companies.
Funding and Strategic Partnership
Within the framework of the new program, Ukraine has already attracted $43 billion to support its defense industry. Zelensky emphasized the importance of allocating no less than 0.25% of the GDP of each partner country in 2026 for the development of Ukraine’s defense industry and domestic production. This year is set to be a record in terms of financial support and contracts for the supply of weapons.
Additionally, Ukraine plans to attract investments from NATO partners to create modern technologies, produce drones, and artillery shells. Negotiations are also ongoing for joint production of air defense systems with France, which is expected to be a mutually beneficial partnership.
It should be noted that during the 28th meeting in the “Ramstein” format, a decision was made to organize the joint production of Ukrainian weapons on the territory of partner countries. All products manufactured at these facilities will be directed to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine until the end of the war, and allies have agreed to fully finance these projects, including additional funding.
Ukraine is also developing cooperation with Germany based on its own military-industrial technologies, which will strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries and ensure stable technological exchange. Additionally, France has been proposed to create joint air defense systems, and President Emmanuel Macron does not rule out the transfer of additional Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine – the first of which Kyiv is set to receive in February 2025.