Zelenskyy and German Defense Minister Discuss Drone Production in Munich

Ukraine-Germany Defense Partnership

• 👏 President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Germany for its significant support since the war's beginning, thanking the German people, government, chancellor, and Minister Pistorius.
• 🤝 Zelenskyy highlighted the strong co-production partnership between Ukrainian and German companies, calling it a great result of their collaboration.
• 🛠️ Germany has been crucial in training Ukrainian soldiers and providing vital defense systems, including artillery and Patriot air defense.

Importance of Drone Co-production

• 🚀 The first joint drone production facility in Europe (Munich) is a key outcome, with the drones being essential for Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
• 💡 Zelenskyy noted that this co-production allows for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and training related to drone technology.
• ✅ German Defense Minister Pistorius confirmed that Germany is already purchasing these drones and training its soldiers, recognizing drones as a critical part of modern warfare.

European Defense and NATO

• 🇪🇺 Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Europe to develop an independent and strong defense industry, acknowledging the ongoing land war in Europe.
• 🛡️ He stated that Ukraine, while not yet a NATO member, is a strong and experienced partner ready to share its war experience for European security.
• 🎯 The discussion touched upon the debate around NATO 3.0 and the necessity for Europe to enhance its conventional defense capabilities.

Future of Defense Industry

• 📈 Minister Pistorius stressed the importance of increasing the speed of defense material production, learning from past lessons, with drones being a prime example.
• 🏭 This joint venture in Munich is the first of its kind, with plans for more production lines in Ukraine and across Europe by the end of 2026.
• 🌱 The cooperation aims to extend beyond drones into other areas of defense material production.