Not just Russia is against Ukrainian ballistic missile development, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine continues to promote the idea of developing its own ballistic missile capabilities and a European anti-ballistic defense system, despite resistance from several countries and competition in the defense industry, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine pushes its own ballistic program
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is continuing work on developing its own ballistic missile capability.
The President emphasized that advancing this idea is difficult, as the emergence of a new strong player in the weapons sector raises concerns in other countries.
"I am promoting this idea, which is very difficult because no one wants strong competitors. I am promoting the idea of Ukrainian ballistic missiles and anti-ballistic systems. It is not just Russia that doesn't want to see Ukrainian ballistic missiles. Russia—for obvious reasons. And others—also for reasons that are well understood. The reason is business, competition. But I believe I will be able to push this idea forward," Zelenskyy said.
Talks on an anti-ballistic system
The President also said Ukraine is simultaneously working on creating a European anti-ballistic system together with international partners. Sweden has become one of the first participants in the project.
"In the same way, we are advancing the idea of an anti-ballistic system, a European anti-ballistic system. We have agreed with Sweden today that we will work on this. It is the first of the major partners we need for anti-ballistic defense," the head of state noted.
Next steps
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine expects to expand the circle of partners over the summer and move toward the practical implementation of the system to counter ballistic threats.
"We still need several partners. I think over the summer we will be able to advance and finalize this idea. And we will start working to overcome this ballistic challenge," the President of Ukraine added.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Russia may be preparing a new wave of mobilization to replace significant personnel losses in its war against Ukraine.
He also submitted a draft law to the Ukrainian parliament to ratify an agreement with the European Union providing €90 billion in loan financing for Ukraine.
