By KYIV. Oct 24 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his speech at the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum, emphasized the need to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, insure military risks, as well as reevaluate the economic sphere.
“I would like to draw your attention, first and foremost, to the defense sector in Ukraine – our production of weapons, equipment, and ammunition, which we are boosting. This is our number one production priority, and some German companies have already started substantial cooperation with us in this field. We invite all others to join,” Zelenskyy said.
The president said that “it’s crucial to launch the flow of German machinery into Ukraine as the basis for Ukrainian industries, in particular, through full-fledged export credit financing.”
In addition, Ukraine is working on agreements with partners for joint production of air defense systems and building special relations with the most powerful countries in the world, including Germany, to provide our cities with a reliable air shield against Russian terror.
The head of Ukrainian state appealed to the governments of partner countries, including the government of Germany, to establish a reliable mechanism for insuring against war risks.
“It’s evident that such risks deter investments and that having a protection system against them will be a significant step in deterring Russian aggression. The Kremlin still hopes for world weariness with support for Ukraine. Politically, we ensure that such weariness won’t happen, no matter how hard Russia tries to provoke it. Economically, our cooperation with you can help achieve this,” the president said.
Zelenskyy highlighted reevaluating the economic sphere after the hostilities in Ukraine, and he said that the potential of European countries is capable of replacing many areas from which Russian companies have left or will leave.
Among the clear potential for cooperation and growth, Zelenskyy cites reasons such as the growth of new globally important export centers, in particular the Danube region, the production and operation of combat drones in Ukraine and the rethinking of Ukrainian energy with an emphasis on decentralized green energy.
“A crystal-clear signal is needed for Russia, as it always pays attention to Germany. With whom Germany works. In whom Germany believes as partners. With whom it shares its reliability and takes something for itself to become stronger. These are all fundamental things,” the head of Ukrainian state said.
The President thanked Germany and its people, as well as Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for their strong support for Ukraine.
