Ukraine to launch joint weapons production with US – Zelenskiy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said as he wrapped up a visit to the U.S., Ukraine and the United States have agreed to launch joint weapons production in a step that will enable Kyiv to start producing air defence systems.
In his daily address to Ukrainians, Zelenskiy said the long-term agreement would create jobs and a new industrial base in Ukraine, whose economy has been devastated by Russia’s invasion and war.
Zelenskiy said in a video posted on the presidential website on Friday morning, “It was a very important visit to Washington, very important results.”
“And a long-term agreement – we will work together so that Ukraine produces the necessary weapons together with the United States. Co-production in the defence (sector) with the United States is a historic thing.”
Kyiv has stepped up efforts to boost domestic weapons production as much as possible because 19 months of war has created a huge demand for arms and ammunition to fend off Russian attacks along a 1,000 km front line. Russian air strikes across Ukraine have caused widespread damage and killed many people.