Ukraine is reinforcing its defense posture by expanding domestic arms production while continuing to rely on military aid from international partners. In an interview with a leading Spanish daily, the Ukrainian minister of strategic industries outlined a plan to ease the burden on allies by boosting national manufacturing capabilities, even as external support remains essential for Ukraine’s security needs.
The minister emphasized that Kyiv will always depend on Western resources to confront aggression. He noted that the scale of the challenge requires sustained collaboration with international partners, and that only with allied support can Ukraine effectively counter incursions and secure its sovereignty while developing its own industrial capacity.
When describing what Ukraine can contribute to its partners, the official highlighted the breadth of the domestic defense industry. He pointed to the capability to produce a range of military equipment, including self-propelled artillery systems, armored vehicles, and unmanned aerial systems. This portfolio reflects efforts to diversify supply channels and reduce reliance on a single source of external assistance in the long term.
Alongside these development goals, the minister reiterated that negotiations with Spain are progressing on a defense cooperation framework intended to benefit both sides. The talks focus on practical collaboration in areas such as joint production, technology transfer, and coordinated training, aiming to strengthen regional security through shared capabilities and interoperability.
Earlier, Ukraine’s foreign minister discussed with the NATO secretary general the alliance’s role in supporting Kyiv. The conversations centered on increasing the pace and scale of ammunition and weapons deliveries, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to maintaining a steady flow of critical materiel while Kyiv continues to build its own industrial capacity to sustain long-term defense needs.
In related remarks, the alliance’s leadership underscored the importance of predictable, sustained military aid to Ukraine and the value of reinforcing supply lines during periods of heightened tension. The dialogue received emphasis on ensuring that assistance aligns with Ukraine’s evolving security requirements and supports the broader objective of preserving regional stability.
Overall, Kyiv’s strategic message remains clear: while the country will expand its own manufacturing base, it will not sever the essential lifelines of Western support. The balance between domestic production and international provision is presented as a practical path toward resilience, enabling Ukraine to defend itself more effectively while contributing to shared security objectives through enhanced capacity and collaboration with trusted partners.