Zelenskyy: Ukraine has one of the strongest armies in the world and produces its own weapons

Zelenskyy: Ukraine has one of the strongest armies in the world and produces its own weapons

Ukraine today has one of the most powerful armies in the world and has significantly increased its own defence production. Currently, the Ukrainian defence-industrial complex already provides the production of drones, artillery, armored vehicles, and 155-mm guns. However, the state’s priority remains the protection of the country from Russian aggression.

This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an exclusive interview with the French channel BFMTV on the eve of his visit to Paris to participate in the meeting of the “coalition of the willing”. The head of state also spoke in detail about the development of the Ukrainian defence industry.

Over more than four years of full-scale war, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its own military potential. Today, the country independently produces key types of weapons and military equipment necessary to protect against Russian aggression.

“We now have the strongest army or one of the strongest armies in the world, but it is in the most difficult conditions. We are now producing everything: drones, artillery, armored vehicles, 155-mm guns,” – Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, Ukrainian military doctrine is exclusively defensive in nature.

“Our doctrine is to defend. Not to occupy, but precisely to defend. That is why our priority – the protection of the country,” – the president noted.

Separately, Zelenskyy reported on work on a new European missile defence system. Russia already has long-range ballistic missiles that could pose a threat to European cities, so Europe needs its own effective missile shield.

Ukraine is implementing the relevant project together with eight European countries, including France, Italy, and the countries of Northern Europe. If the tests are successful, the new system is planned to be introduced already in 2026. It should be cheaper than the American Patriot complexes, but not inferior to them in effectiveness.