Having invested about USD 20 billion in its own defense industry in the past two years, Ukraine is now making a significant contribution to joint arms production to counter Russian aggression.
The relevant statement was made by the newly-appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, at the 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group via video link, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Ukraine is no longer just a recipient. We are now a fully-fledged contributor to joint production. Over the past two years, we have invested more than USD 20 billion into our own defense industry. Today, nearly 40% of frontline needs are covered domestically, and 95% of drones used on the front are made in Ukraine,” Umerov said.
In his words, thanks to the ‘Danish model’, for the first time ever, Ukraine’s partners “directly invested in Ukrainian defense enterprises, bringing in over USD 4 billion.”
“Together with our allies, we have already delivered more than 20 joint projects. Many others are underway and will yield results very soon,” Umerov noted.
He mentioned that, in 2025, international security assistance to Ukraine hit a record high of USD 43 billion, which is the highest figure since the Russian full-scale invasion started.
“Together with our partners, we built nine functional capability coalitions. We launched the transfer of F-16s and Mirages, we invented the Drone Coalition granting us technological advantage on battlefield,” Umerov emphasized.
According to him, over the past two years, not just a defense effort but a united coalition has been forged.
“We launched joint production, welcomed your defense companies to Ukraine, and brought our companies to your countries. This is an investment both in security of today and prosperity of the future,” Umerov stated, adding that the “transition of leadership” in Ukraine’s Defense Ministry is part of that process.
“It is my honor to pass the torch to the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal. Just as you have trusted me over these two years, I invite you to put your trust in Minister Shmyhal,” Umerov added.
The Ukrainian official mentioned that the impact of international support continues to “echo where it matters most – on the frontlines, with those who risk everything for our freedom.”
In his words, Ukrainian soldiers in the trenches rely on international support.
“You kindle fire in the hearts of our warriors. Every shell, every vehicle, every missile sends a message to our servicemen: you are not alone, the free world stands beside you. And that belief, that solidarity, that hope is more powerful than any other weapon,” Umerov concluded.
A reminder that, during the 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on July 21, 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal outlined the country’s main needs in the field of defense and expectations from international partners.
Photo: President’s Office
Source: Ukraine becomes full-fledged contributor to joint defense production – Umerov
