President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on German business to invest in the production of air defence and other weapons in Ukraine.
He said this in a speech at the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum "Recovery, Smart Growth and Security".
"First of all, I would like to draw your attention to the defence sector in Ukraine - our production of weapons, equipment, and shells, which we are increasing. This is our number one production priority, and some German companies have already started substantive cooperation with us in this area. And we invite all others. Ukrainian energy, our infrastructure, agricultural production, and reconstruction deserve no less attention - areas that are particularly in need of international cooperation now, in times of war. And which, after the war, will give a special return to every company that starts working with Ukraine and in Ukraine right now, while others are only analysing the prospects," Zelenskyy said.
He noted that work is already underway on agreements with partners on the joint production of air defence systems.
"And this is a strategic task - I have no doubt that we are able to implement it. However, it takes time. This means that now, this winter and next year, we need our partners to continue to support our air defence. And I am grateful, in particular, to Germany for understanding this need," Zelenskyy said.
He also said that Ukraine is appealing to the governments of partner countries, including Germany, to work with their businesses to introduce a reliable mechanism for insuring war risks.
"Obviously, such risks deter investment. It is obvious that having a system of protection against them will be one of the important steps to stop Russian aggression. The Kremlin still hopes that the world will get tired of supporting Ukraine. Politically, we are ensuring that there will be no such fatigue, no matter how hard Russia tries to provoke it. Economically, in particular, our cooperation with you is able to ensure this," the president said.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia is losing ground in economic relations with Europe, which had been built up over more than 50 years. This applies to many areas from which Russian companies have already left or will leave.
"European business and the potential of our countries and Europe's neighbours will replace them - it is inevitable. The reconstruction of Ukraine after the hostilities, the growth of new globally important export centres such as the Danube region, our new relations in Eastern Europe, including strategic relations with Romania and partnerships with Moldova and Turkey, the emergence of industries in Ukraine such as the production and operation of combat drones, including the creation of a fleet of maritime drones, the rethinking of our energy sector with a focus on decentralised green energy... All this and other similar things are a clear potential for cooperation and growth," Zelenskyy said.
According to the president, German equipment is the best foundation for any economy. It is important to arrange for German equipment to flow into Ukraine to form the basis of Ukrainian industries, in particular, through the full launch of export credit financing.