Paris is determined to work with Kyiv’s to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities to produce weapons systems domestically, said French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne during his visit to Kyiv on January 13.
Before that, during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Riga, Ukrainian and Latvian government officials signed an agreement on technical and financial cooperation and a memorandum regarding defense and security. It envisages the implementation of joint projects to develop and produce drones, electronic warfare systems, and ground and sea mine clearance, among other initiatives.
In addition, Latvia is providing a new aid package, including howitzers, artillery ammunition, anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems.
Meanwhile, the Italian government is preparing its eighth military aid package but believes that Kyiv needs to start looking for diplomatic ways to resolve the conflict.
At the same time, Sweden’s Defense Logistics Agency signed an agreement with ammunition manufacturer Nammo to increase the production of 155-mm ammunition for Ukraine. The Swedish government partially finances investments in production, and the EU finances the remainder.