Ukraine ready to boost drone production by 40% but lacks financial support - Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
"In today's conditions, it is crucial to outpace Russia in drone production. Ukraine has the capacity but lacks the funding," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his address at the Global Security Forum.
Zelenskyy thanked Czechia for its ammunition supply initiative, which clearly demonstrated that joint efforts can truly make a difference in modern warfare.
He emphasized the need to strengthen all forms of defense cooperation — especially those that support significant technological advancement and the use of drones of all types: in the air, on land, and at sea.
"Ukraine is ready to increase drone production by 40% in the near future — this year already. Our enterprises have the necessary capacity; what we lack is funding. And that needs to be addressed," he said.
Zelenskyy called on all countries to treat drone production with the same urgency and focus as Ukraine. "We all need to stay ahead of our enemies when it comes to drones," the president added.
Western support
At the end of May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western allies to provide Ukraine with around $30 billion by the end of the year. The funds are needed to scale up domestic weapons production.
According to the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, defense spending accounted for 73.5% of the state budget expenditures in the first quarter of 2025.
