Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s military industry is scaling up to include more drones, armored vehicles, ammunition, and anti-aircraft systems. “We must rely not only on our allies but also on our own capacity,” he said.

The statement comes at a time when Western support—especially from the United States—has been slowed by political wrangling, leading to gaps in critical supplies such as artillery shells and air defenses. Ukrainian officials say domestic production will ensure faster delivery and customization for battlefield conditions.

Ukraine’s state-run defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom, along with private manufacturers, has been tasked with accelerating contracts and expanding production lines across the country.

Strategic Autonomy Seen As Wartime Imperative

The Ukrainian government sees domestic production not just as a practical necessity but as a strategic goal. Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that new drone development hubs have been opened in multiple regions, while military factories are being shielded from Russian missile attacks using underground and dispersed manufacturing models.

Zelenskyy also noted that international cooperation remains important, but insisted Ukraine must not become “hostage” to foreign timelines. The country has already partnered with NATO-aligned countries to co-develop systems and license production locally.

Defense analysts view Ukraine’s shift as a long-term investment in wartime resilience and post-war reconstruction of its defense sector, aligning with Kyiv’s broader goal of NATO integration.