On 16/7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he, outgoing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and outgoing Defense Minister Rustem Umerov have agreed that the Ministry of Defense will have "greater influence in the field of weapons production".

"Ukrainian-made weapons now account for about 40% of those used on the front lines and in our operations. This figure is significantly larger than at any time since Ukraine's independence. Production is truly large, but we need more. The goal is for 50% of weapons to be produced in Ukraine within the first 6 months of the new government, by expanding domestic production. I believe this can be achieved, although it won't be easy," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Rome, Italy on 10/7. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Rome, Italy on 10/7. Photo: AFP

This week, the Ukrainian president carried out a political reshuffle, nominating Yulia Svyrydenko, the figure behind the mineral agreement with the US, as prime minister. Current Prime Minister Shmyhal has been nominated as defense minister.

The Ukrainian Parliament will vote on 17/7 to approve the nominations. The reshuffle comes as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Russia have stalled, and Ukraine is seeking to restore its financially struggling economy and build its domestic arms industry.

Zelensky has long emphasized the importance of boosting domestic weapons production and joint weapons production with Western partners.

Ukraine has focused on producing unmanned aerial vehicles and strengthening its air defense systems to counter Russia's increasing drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. In recent weeks, President Zelensky has highlighted the role of drone interceptors.

Last week, Kyiv announced the allocation of 6.2 million USD for a drone interceptor program to protect the capital's skies from Russian attacks.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters)