Zelensky announces talks with European officials on joint air defense system

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this in an address marking Ukrainian Gunsmith Day, according to Ukrinform.

“As early as this week, we will have talks with the Europeans—negotiations on the creation of a joint air defense system. I am confident: either Ukraine will become an integral part of the European security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the ‘Russian world,’” he said.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine is not only keeping pace with change, but is among the leaders in the development of security technologies. The president believes that Ukraine’s security experience and military expertise are now the most sought-after assets for dozens of countries around the world.

“But we are not building new cooperation with partners on weapons the way we did in the ’90s or 2000s, when Ukrainian weapons and military capabilities were sold off like on Black Friday. We are not holding a sale of our weapons and we are not emptying our warehouses. We are offering a security partnership—one that is long-term and profitable for Ukraine,” the Ukrainian president stated.

He noted that Ukrainian interceptors are already operating in the Middle East and the Gulf states and that Ukraine is creating a strong, integrated air defense system comprising multiple components.

“Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have their own air defense systems against ballistic and other missiles. But—combined with our military expertise—they have the solutions to defend against ‘Shaheds,’ to detect this threat, and to respond on a large scale. Radar coverage, the necessary electronic warfare systems, communication between air defense components, and the interception itself—Ukraine is capable of doing all of this. We are also in communication with Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, and Syria,” Zelensky said.

The President noted that countries in Asia and Africa are interested in Ukraine’s experience.

He pointed out that Ukraine also has experience in ensuring maritime security, “objectively the most recent in the world.”

“No one else has carried out such missions as the Ukrainians have in the Black Sea. When people talk about security in the Strait of Hormuz, it’s often just theoretical talk. Those who engage in such discussions haven’t carried out similar operations themselves. Ukrainians have. We fought against enemy fleets, airstrikes, and sea mines—we’ve been through it all,” Zelensky stated.

The president said that if partners offer Ukraine equal cooperation, then Ukraine can help.

“Our Sea Baby, Magura, and Sargan naval drones are known to many, and this is also part of our Ukrainian export portfolio. Just like our artillery, which we produce on the largest scale in Europe. Just like our shells, of which there are now more and more. Just like our ‘armor’—‘armor’ that becomes more effective every year. All of this is provided by our defense industry—our defenders, our Ukrainian arms manufacturers,” he said.

Zelensky is convinced that Ukraine is a global producer of strength and security: “This is the case, and it will remain so.”

“And none of this is a gift from Ukraine. Long-term security agreements in the Middle East provide funding for our state every year; they are the fuel Ukraine needs amid global instability. This also includes the types of weapons we lack but our partners have. We support those who support us, and we work to make everyone stronger,” the President said.

As reported by Ukrinform, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the defense industry should become the backbone of Ukraine’s new economy.

Photo: OP