US, Ukraine to hold military industry conference early next month

The United States and Ukraine will hold a military industry conference in Washington early next month on December 6 and 7, Ukrainian and US officials have announced. Kyiv is ramping up efforts to produce its own weapons and ammunition amid concerns that supplies from the Western nations might be faltering. It also hopes joint ventures with international armament producers can help revive its domestic industry. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, said the meeting was “part of the US government’s efforts to significantly increase weapons production to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and security”. Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky’s chief of staff, described the conference as a “very powerful event” to be attended by major defence industry players. Zelenskyy had earlier spoken of the forthcoming meeting in his nightly video address, saying those participating would be “everyone involved in organising our defence”. Zelenskyy said Kyiv and Washington were “actively progressing” on joint arms production. He said moves towards joint production would “undoubtedly strengthen both Americans and Ukrainians, as well as our partners”. In October, Ukraine set up a joint venture with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG (RHMG.DE) to service and repair Western weapons. In September, it hosted an international defence industry forum with more than 250 Western producers. Zelenskyy said he had also discussed Ukraine’s missile programme with the military on Friday. “Everyone can see that its results are becoming more long-range and favourable for Ukraine each year,” he said.