Germany Selenskyj wants to expand arms production in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi wants to use Western investment to significantly expand arms production in the country invaded by Russia.

"Our industrial capacity allows us to produce far more drones, more shells and military equipment than our country's financial resources permit," he said in his evening video message. The West could provide the money, especially as many partners are currently unable to help Ukraine sufficiently due to a lack of their own weapons.

"In addition, some partners have special technologies that can already be used in Ukraine," said Selensky. He thanked all those who had already invested in the arms sector - especially in the production of drones. During his visit to Paris, a new Ukrainian-French model was discussed. This should now be deepened at the level of the defense ministers.

During the Russian war of aggression, which has been going on for more than two and a half years, Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he wants to make Ukraine one of the world's largest producers of weapons. According to the military, the country is in urgent need of new weapons and ammunition.

Selenskyj: Holding defined lines in the Kursk area

With regard to the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Russian border region of Kursk, Zelenskyi said that Kiev's military was holding the defined lines there. There had previously been attempts by the Russian armed forces to drive the Ukrainian army from its positions. He thus indirectly contradicted Russian claims that Moscow's troops had recaptured several villages there.

The Ukrainian army had invaded the Kursk region at the beginning of August and occupied dozens of villages there. According to Zelenskyi, this is intended to increase the pressure on Russia to negotiate. The military leadership in Moscow has announced that it will soon liberate the Russian territory.