Zelensky: Europe needs joint weapons production

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Europe should expand joint weapons production, as its own potential will allow it to preserve itself in any development of the global situation.

According to Yevropeiska Pravda, Zelenskyy said this during a speech at the annual Swedish national conference "Society and Defense".

He noted that almost two years of war in Ukraine have proved that Europe needs its own sufficient arsenal to defend freedom, which will allow all of Europe or any part of it to withstand and preserve itself in any development of the global situation.

"The Alliance is good. But the resilience of the parts of the Alliance is not just better, it is what will help to keep the Alliance a coherent, effective, global security leader under any circumstances. And in order to create an arsenal to defend freedom, Europe needs joint weapons production - much larger production than it is now," Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that Russia's aggressive ambitions can only be stopped where there is sufficient force to stop them.

According to the President, Ukraine has already started joint defense activities with Turkey, Romania, Poland, and the United Kingdom. He also spoke about the relevant agreements with the Czech Republic, the United States, and Germany.

"And, of course, our offer to you is to work together, produce together, and strengthen together. Ukraine is already and will always be one of the most important European security donors. We want to ensure that we can rely on the best weapons and equipment available in the world for our own security and the security of our partners," Zelenskyy said.

"Therefore, joint production with Sweden is a priority for us. And I am confident that the day will come when we will be able to see the opening of the first joint production with you in Ukraine," he added.

Author - Olena Madiak, 08/01/2024