Zelenskyy Plans 50% Domestic Weapon Production Within Six Months

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal for Ukraine to produce 50% of its weapons domestically within six months, up from the current 40%. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry amid ongoing conflict with Russia and economic challenges. Zelenskyy recently reshuffled his government, nominating Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister and moving Denys Shmyhal from prime minister to defense minister, with the Defence Ministry gaining greater control over arms production. The government is prioritizing the production of drones, air defense systems, and drone interceptors to counter Russian attacks, supported by a $6.2 million allocation for drone defense programs. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to reduce bureaucracy, deregulate, and harness Ukraine's economic power and technological innovation to support the military, while also ensuring social stability and confidence among the Ukrainian people. These efforts reflect Ukraine's commitment to increasing self-reliance in defense manufacturing and collaboration with Western partners.