US and Ukraine Announce Military Industry Conference for Next Month

(Patria) - Ukraine and the United States will hold a military industry conference in Washington
on December 6 and 7, Ukrainian and US officials said, Reuters reported.

Kyiv is stepping up efforts to produce its own weapons due to concerns that Western supplies may weaken. It also hopes that joint ventures with international arms manufacturers will help revive the domestic industry.

Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said the meeting is "part of the US government's effort to significantly increase weapons production to support Ukraine's fight for freedom and security".

Andriy Yermak, head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, described the conference as a "very powerful event" that will be attended by key players in the defense industry.

Zelenskyy previously spoke about the upcoming meeting in his nightly video address, saying that participants will be "involved in organizing our defense." He said that Kyiv and Washington are "actively moving forward" in the joint production of weapons. He said that moves towards joint production will "undoubtedly strengthen both Americans and Ukrainians, as well as our partners".

In October, Ukraine established a joint venture with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG to service and repair Western weapons. In September, Ukraine hosted an international defense industry forum with more than 250 manufacturers from the West.

Zelenskyy said he also discussed Ukraine's missile program with the military on Friday.

"Everyone can see that its results are becoming more long-lasting and favorable for Ukraine every year," he said.