Ukraine Secures $43 Billion for Defense Amidst Russian Invasion

Ukraine has amassed $43 billion for its defense industry this year, a combination of local funding and aid from allies. This substantial sum is being utilized to enhance the production and procurement of drones, artillery, and other essential weaponry. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted that this funding is crucial for bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities as it continues to defend against Russia's invasion, now in its fourth year.

In addition to financial support, Kyiv has initiated the “Build with Ukraine” program. This program aims to establish new production lines in European countries, with agreements set to be finalized this summer. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine will share relevant technologies, enabling the production of weapons such as drones, missiles, and potentially artillery in these partner countries. Measures will be implemented to ensure that the transferred technology does not fall into Russian hands.

Ukraine's efforts to develop its domestic military capabilities are driven by the need to reduce dependence on military aid from allies, particularly the US. Zelenskiy underscored the importance of maintaining America's support, noting that while some European countries have pledged unwavering backing, the situation becomes significantly more challenging without US involvement.

Zelenskiy is scheduled to attend the NATO summit in The Hague, which begins on Tuesday. He has refuted claims that Ukraine is facing the destruction of many of the Patriot air defense systems supplied by the US and other allies since 2022, or that it lacks the necessary weaponry to operate them effectively.

Ukraine's air defenses have been reinforced through the extensive use of interceptor UAVs, which are capable of shooting down Shahed-type drones employed by Russia. Despite these advancements, Kremlin forces continue to conduct massive air bombardments across Ukraine. Moscow launched 272 drones and eight missiles overnight, according to the regular update from Ukraine’s General Staff. Kremenchuk in the Poltava region, home to a key oil refinery, was once again targeted after sustaining new damage a week prior.

Russia's military operations extend beyond air bombardments, with the use of glide bombs and other weaponry along the front line in Ukraine’s east, as well as in northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv, close to the nations’ border, and in Dnipropetrovsk and other regions.

Zelenskiy reiterated his call for energy restrictions, such as lower oil price caps on Russian oil, a plan that was recently shelved by the European Union. He also advocated for sanctions against companies directly and indirectly involved with Russia’s defense industry. Zelenskiy noted that 39 defense companies are involved in the production of Russia’s experimental Oreshnik ballistic missile, of which 21 are not currently sanctioned.