Kiev reports a doubling of weapon manufacturing output.
Ukraine relies heavily on Western aid for its defense against Russia but is simultaneously ramping up its own weapon manufacturing. As per info from Kyiv, they've doubled their weapon production compared to last year and aim to expand their defense industry even more by the end of 2024.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal shared this update from Kyiv, stating, "By the end of this year, we've already doubled our weapon production compared to 2023." Ukraine has set a target to produce over a million drones by year-end.
"We're making progress," Shmyhal asserted. "Our drone production is continuously increasing." Ukraine has been engaged in combat against Russian forces since February 2022, relying on the assistance of its Western allies while concurrently beefing up its homegrown defense sector.
In line with these initiatives, the Ukrainian military recently tested a domestically manufactured ballistic missile, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed last month. Additionally, Zelenskyy announced that his troops had employed a long-range rocket drone, the "Palianyzia," constructed in Ukraine, in combat for the first time.
Zelenskyy advocates for swift delivery
Despite amplifying its own weapon production, Ukraine still pleads for persistent support from its allies. This was evident at the Ukraine Contact Group meeting held at the US military base in Ramstein last week.
In his evening video address on Monday, Zelenskyy also emphasized the need for speedy delivery of aid. "The trajectory of the war hinges directly on the caliber of logistics and the fulfillment of every promise made by our partners," said Zelenskyy, emphasizing the urgency.
The attack on Ukraine by Russian forces continues, necessitating urgent support from Western allies. Despite doubling its weapon production and aiming to expand its defense industry further, Ukraine still relies heavily on external aid for its defense.
