Ukraine seeks to expand defense manufacturing with Croatian partnership amid European support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to discuss the prospect of holding a defense industry forum between Ukraine and Balkan nations
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković during Ukraine-South-East Europe summit held in Tirana, Albania's capital, on Feb. 28, the President's Office reported.
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They discussed holding a defense industry forum between Ukraine and Balkan countries and agreed to facilitate agreements between Ukrainian and Croatian private companies involved in demining, rescue equipment, and drones.
Zelenskyy and Plenković discussed pressing regional security issues. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Croatia’s steadfast support of Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and NATO, as well as for aid during Russia's invasion. This assistance has included support for refugees, rehabilitation for military personnel, and care for Ukrainian children, highlighting the importance of demining efforts.
Zelenskyy also held meetings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto during the summit.
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Arms production in Ukraine
Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Edi Rama during his visit to Albania on Feb. 28 to discuss Ukraine's defense needs and the potential joint arms production.
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The Ukrainian President said on Feb. 16 he expects the United States to continue providing assistance, but noted Ukraine and Europe are ramping up their own arms production despite this support.
Ukraine has agreed to joint arms production with the United States and expects to begin manufacturing Swedish BMP CV-90 and NATO infantry fighting vehicles ASCOD.
Germany also allowed the Rheinmetall Group to establish a joint defense enterprise with Ukraine in 2023.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Jan. 4 that the United States aims to make Ukraine self-sufficient in arms production and procurement to avoid maintaining American military funding for Ukraine at 2022–2023 levels.
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