Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has called on EU defense ministers to prioritize procurement in the Ukrainian defense industry.
According to Ukrinform, Umerov posted this on Facebook following a videoconference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
According to him, the main topic of the conference was the new EU defense initiative SAFE (Security Action for Europe) worth 150 billion euros, which opens up the possibility of full integration into the European defense industry for Ukraine.
“Our weapons are the weapons of Europe,” Umerov emphasized, noting that over the past three years, Ukraine has increased its defense production from USD 1 billion in 2022 to USD 35 billion (EUR 31 billion) in 2025.
In his opinion, this is the result of joint efforts and huge internal potential.
“Supporting the Ukrainian defense industry is a contribution to the collective security of the entire continent. SAFE creates mechanisms for procurement in critical areas,” the Defense Minister emphasized.
Umerov urged partners to prioritize procurement in the Ukrainian defense industry, in particular UAVs, and emphasized that Ukraine is ready for large-scale joint production and supply both for the needs of the frontline and in the future for European armies.
The Minister of Defense named 155-millimeter ammunition as the second area and noted that Ukraine did not produce this caliber in 2022.
“Today, together with our partners, we are developing the capacity to produce more than 1 million shells annually. This is a real contribution to strengthening European resilience,” he emphasized.
According to Umerov, Ukraine is also open to cooperation in other critical areas, including artillery systems, air defense and electronic warfare.
He thanked the European allies for their support, trust and strategic vision and emphasized that Ukraine is part of the European security architecture.
Umerov also added that “it is large joint projects with Ukrainian participation that can ensure long-term strength and stability on the continent.”
As Ukrinform previously reported, Umerov met with a delegation from Raytheon, and discussed Ukraine’s critical need for additional air defense systems and missiles.
Photo: facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua
Source: DM Umerov: Ukraine ready for joint weapons production with EU partners
