Ukraine provides itself with almost 40% of its own weapons, and can increase these figures - Sybiha
More than a quarter of Ukraine's budget goes to defense. However, it may increase these figures.
According to Censor.NET, this was stated by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha before the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
Ukraine currently spends 26% of its budget on defense. Our defense industry produces millions of drones a year, among other achievements. We are already almost 40% self-sufficient, and we can increase these numbers," Sybiha said.
According to him, modern Ukraine is a guardian of peace and Euro-Atlantic security, not a country that only seeks protection. 800,000 Ukrainian soldiers are the defenders of Ukraine, but they are also the defenders of Europe, the minister emphasized.
"They must be well armed. The world must be well-armed. Our defense industry will be the backbone of European defense. Our army is the largest land army in Europe, and our defense technologies are among the most advanced. NATO and Europe should look to the east and see a strong and loyal ally - Ukraine," Sybiha said.
He added that the question today is not whether Russia wants to attack the rest of Europe. According to him, the only question is "whether we will be ready for it or not."
"Can we stop Russia in Ukraine and deter it from further aggression? Our answer is yes, but only if we increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine," the minister emphasized.
According to Sibiga, during the meeting with the allies, they will discuss how to put pressure on Russia to start a real dialogue. The foreign minister will also discuss urgent defense needs and security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as a credible deterrence package.
As a reminder, on April 3-4, 2025, NATO foreign ministers will meet at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Earlier, it was noted that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is interested in meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
