Five EU countries have created a working group to develop joint defense enterprises with Ukraine.

After a meeting with his colleagues from Poland, France, Italy, and Britain, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that European arms manufacturers will only benefit if they utilize free production capacities in Ukraine, which will also allow them to improve their products, taking into account the experience of their Ukrainian partners. This will stimulate Europe’s defense industry. Therefore, the five countries decided to create a joint working group to exchange best practices and look for ways to increase efficiency in joint ventures.

At the same time, The Ukrainian Defense Ministry called on the Ramstein-format countries to invest in Ukraine’s defense industry because it has already increased its capacity by over 1,900% but needs further investment and joint venture development. Despite the lack of funding, in 2023-2024 Ukrainian production of artillery systems increased by 200%, armored personnel carriers by 400%, anti-tank weapons by 100%, and ammunition by 150%. Ukraine can produce over four million UAVs per year.