Ukraine and the EU discussed defense financing and joint weapons production

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov held a series of meetings with senior EU officials in Brussels to discuss defense financing for Ukraine and strengthening cooperation in the continent's security sector.

During the meeting with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, the parties discussed a new EU initiative aimed at securing additional resources for the supply of munitions and missiles for air defense systems, as well as for training and equipping Ukrainian military personnel. 

The Defence Minister also expressed readiness to establish joint ventures with leading defense companies in Ukraine and across the EU. 

At a meeting with EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, the parties discussed European security issues, in which Ukraine plays a key role. Rustem Umerov emphasized the importance of initiatives that will ensure funding for the Ukrainian military and the procurement of defense products.

Particular attention was given to the need to accelerate the production of armored vehicles, shells, and other types of weapons and military equipment by European defense companies. According to the minister, the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) could be a significant step in this direction, as it creates new opportunities for procuring and producing weapons in cooperation with European partners.

“Ukraine is ready for deeper integration in defense cooperation and joint arms production,” Rustem Umerov emphasized.