Ukraine is moving forward with early plans to jointly produce weapons with international allies, officials confirmed, amid mounting pressure from Russia’s renewed offensive and the United States’ recent halt of certain promised arms shipments. The suspension of U.S. deliveries comes as American stockpiles reportedly reach critically low levels, with no new military aid announced under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that upcoming meetings with European Union member states and allies will focus on defense industry cooperation, including joint investments and weapons production projects. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced draft legislation to enable joint weapons manufacturing, proposing special legal and tax measures to expand and modernize Ukraine’s defense production, potentially establishing new manufacturing facilities domestically and abroad.
Germany has pledged support for Ukraine’s domestic weapons production, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visiting Kyiv this week alongside defense industry representatives. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. chargé d’affaires John Hinkel to stress the urgent need for previously promised defense packages, particularly air defense systems.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the U.S. decision to pause shipments, suggesting it could bring the war closer to an end. Analysts warn, however, that European nations cannot fully replace critical U.S.-made systems like HIMARS missile launchers and Patriot air defense systems, which are vital for defending Ukrainian cities against Russian airstrikes.
The halt in U.S. support marks a significant shift, with the Kiel Institute reporting that for the first time since June 2022, European nations have surpassed the U.S. in total military aid to Ukraine, contributing €72 billion ($85 billion) compared to the U.S.’s €65 billion ($77 billion). With peace talks stalled and Russian attacks intensifying, Ukraine’s push for joint weapons production signals a strategic pivot to sustain its long-term defense capabilities.
