U.S. and Ukraine to produce weapons and defense systems together
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that the United States has agreed to collaborate with Ukraine in the production of weapons and defense systems. In his nightly address, President Zelenskyy described this as a historic decision that will turn fantasies into reality.
“There is a historic decision by the United States to jointly produce weapons and defense systems. In particular, air defense. This is something that was an absolute fantasy until recently. But it will become a reality. We will make it a reality,” Zelenskyy said.
President Zelenskyy had spent the last week in the United States and Canada, attending the latest U.N. General Assembly in New York and engaging in separate talks with President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He described the week as highly productive, with several defense-related agreements reached.
“It was a productive week. Very productive. We have many good defense and other decisions,” Zelenskyy said. The defense packages from the U.S. include artillery, shells, HIMARS munitions, air defense missiles, additional air defense systems, tactical vehicles, and other types of weapons.
Furthermore, President Zelenskyy highlighted a long-term defense support agreement worth half a billion U.S. dollars from Canada. This agreement includes the production and supply of medevac vehicles, which are crucial for the frontlines.
The collaboration between the United States, Ukraine, and Canada in producing weapons and defense systems signals a strengthened commitment to Ukraine’s security and defense amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The production of these essential assets will enhance Ukraine’s capabilities in protecting its sovereignty and deterring potential threats.
In a separate development, Russia has claimed to have destroyed Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and Crimea. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted over Kursk in southwestern Russia, and two others were destroyed over the Bryansk region. Additionally, four Ukrainian drones were reportedly destroyed over the Black Sea and Russian-occupied Crimea. The extent of the damage or any injuries resulting from these reported attacks remains unclear.
There have been multiple instances of alleged Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian territory, with both Kursk and Bryansk being targeted before. However, Ukraine has remained tight-lipped regarding these attacks. Independent verification of the reported information is yet to be obtained, and Ukraine has not provided any official comment on the matter.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s port city of Odesa has been subjected to a large-scale Russian attack, resulting in significant damage. Ukraine’s southern defense forces reported the use of 19 attacking drones, 12 Kalibr missiles, and 2 Onyx supersonic missiles in the attack. Ukrainian air defense forces managed to shoot down 19 drones and 11 Kalibr missiles.
“The enemy hit the port infrastructure,” officials reported on Telegram. The attack caused a fire at the disused station hotel, which was promptly extinguished by firefighters. Granaries were destroyed by Onyx missiles, but fortunately, there were no casualties.
Additional damage occurred due to falling debris during the combat operations, including warehouse buildings and a private house in the suburbs of Odesa. However, the fires resulting from this damage have been extinguished.
The attack on Odesa further underscores the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the significance of securing Ukraine’s key port cities. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns mounting over the potential for further conflict in the region.
Holly Ellyatt – Writer