While visiting Brussels, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov engaged in discussions with Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy.

The Ukrainian Minister of Defence expressed his gratitude to the Australian side for supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom, especially for the announced delivery of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

The key topic of the discussions was economic cooperation.  “We discussed the possibility of establishing joint factories to maximize the effective use of Ukraine's resource potential,” Rustem Umerov informed.

The Ukrainian Defence Minister outlined various investment opportunities in Ukraine’s defense production sector. “I invited Australian companies to co-finance the production of drones, electronic warfare equipment, and robotic systems,” Umerov said.

The talks also outlined the primary needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including weapons and equipment for both active and reserve brigades, as well as long-range weapons to target military facilities deep within russia.

I proposed that Australia, following the example of France and Germany, take patronage over one of our brigades. Specifically, to help with the training and equipping of our soldiers,” added the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.