Valerii Churkin: Ukraine offers partners the opportunity to combat-test their products on the battlefield and build long-term partnerships

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Valerii Churkin invited international partners to test their products in real combat conditions and called for the development of long-term partnerships.

He stated this during his address at the Estonian-Ukrainian Defence Industry Forum hosted in Kyiv. The event was attended by Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin, Director of the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence Arsen Zhumadilov, as well as industry representatives from both countries, government officials, and experts.

“Estonia is a true friend of our country, and we must continue to strengthen our industrial cooperation. Among the opportunities Ukraine offers to international partners are the testing of products in real combat conditions and the development of long-term partnerships through joint ventures,” stated Valerii Churkin.

The Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine outlined key areas in which the Defence Forces require support from Estonia, particularly in anti-drone solutions and the modernization of weaponry already in use on the battlefield. 

He also extended thanks to Estonia for its steadfast and robust support.

Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Minister of Defence, expressed hope that the Estonian-Ukrainian Defense Industry Forum would become a platform for fostering new opportunities in defense production and technology exchange.

“Estonia is ready to share its expertise in IT and digital transformation,” emphasized Hanno Pevkur.