Ukraine needs to receive $6B this year to ensure the domestic production of weapons next year.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Serhiy Boev met with Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Gediminas Navitskas to discuss funding for the defense-industrial complex in 2025 and 2026. Boev stated that to meet the planned weapon production levels by early 2026, funding must be secured this year. Ukraine’s current requirement is estimated at $6B. The parties explored options for funding the production of FPV drones, long-range systems, and interceptor drones, and examined security assistance needs for 2026.

Boev highlighted that despite international efforts to end the war and pressure from partners on Russia, the aggressor continues to terrorize Ukraine and increase weapons manufacturing. In response, Ukraine must boost its readiness and strengthen partnerships with its allies.

The two officials also discussed the next steps within the framework of the SAFE initiative, which aims to integrate Ukraine into the European defense-industrial complex.

As previously announced by President Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s weapons production potential has surpassed $35B, with 1,000 types of products including artillery, armored vehicles, advanced drones of all kinds, and missiles.