Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk: Expanding military-technical cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom will enhance defence industry output in both countries

First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, discussed new cooperation opportunities in the defence industry with the UK government delegation, the localisation of defence production, and the use of revenues from frozen Russian assets.

The UK delegation was headed by Will Green, Head of the Kindred Task Force and Deputy Director for Policy at the HIRST Task Force. The delegation also included representatives from the UK's Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA), the Ministry of Defence's Defence Staff, and the British Embassy.

On the Ukrainian side, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Strategic Industries representatives participated in the negotiations.

The First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine briefed the UK delegation on the situation at the front, potential threats and needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

«I express my gratitude to the United Kingdom for its unwavering support in Ukraine's struggle for survival. The situation at the front necessitates bolstering the capabilities of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. Expanding military-technical cooperation between the two countries will provide fresh momentum and invigorate defence production in both countries.  New technologies and investments represent new opportunities for us, strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities in the challenging struggle against the aggressor,» said Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The parties discussed signing contracts in the context of implementing projects under the Framework Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding official credit support for enhancing Ukraine's defence capabilities. The British side has proposed several projects to address Ukraine's missile and air defence system needs. In particular, the possibility of using the revenues from frozen russian assets to purchase British-made missiles was discussed.

The Kindred Task Force assesses which weapons from the UK's existing stockpile can be allocated to Ukraine.

The HIRST Task Force is a UK-based cross-government team aimed at stimulating the UK's industrial production and fostering international cooperation in support of Ukraine, including collaboration with Ukrainian companies.