Closer integration of Ukraine’s and EU’s defence industries is key to addressing shared challenges: Denys Shmyhal

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal joined international partners at the Defence Cooperation Forum: Future Warfare, chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the defence ministers of Denmark, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden, and representatives from the United Kingdom, Estonia, the Czech Republic, the EU, and NATO for visiting Ukraine on the day of its 34th Independence Day celebration.

“Digitalisation, innovation, and artificial intelligence are all aiding our defenders in the war. These were discussed with partners during the forum. Ukraine is already integrating into the European defence industry. We will be part of the European Union and an integral part of joint security strategies. It is now crucial to more closely align our defence industries to tackle shared challenges,” said the head of the Ministry of Defence.

He invited partners to join the Build in Ukraine programme, to establish factories, service centres, and production lines in Ukraine, and to create joint programmes with Ukrainian manufacturers, from co-design to licensed production.

“We are together, and that makes us strong. We are united by common goals and values. We will undoubtedly prevail, defending Ukraine and the free world,” Denys Shmyhal emphasised.