NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the first meeting of the International Defence Industries Forum in Kyiv on 29 September, states Alliance's website.
The Secretary General noted the ingenuity of the Ukrainian defence industry, stating that "from drones to demining, Ukraine is innovating quickly." Stoltenberg said that "the stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield, the stronger its position will be at any negotiating table," and although it is paradoxical, weapons for Ukraine are the way towards peace.
The NATO Secretary General emphasised the heroism of Ukrainian defenders, but noted that our defenders need more weapons.
"But courage alone cannot stop drones, and heroism alone cannot intercept missiles. Ukraine needs capabilities, of high quality, in large quantities and quickly," Stoltenberg emphasised, adding that "there can be no defence without industry."
He reminded that the Alliance is working on its Defence Production Action Plan and is increasing the production of ammunition.
The forum, according to the Alliance's press service, was attended by major defence companies from across NATO, including representatives from more than 20 countries.