Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more Western investment in his country’s defense industry to fend off the Russian invasion.
Ukraine has been struggling with a shortage of weapons for soldiers on the front lines, and with the upkeep and repair of various weaponry provided by the West.
Amid the challenges, the Ukrainian government hosted the International Defense Industries Forum in Kyiv, which was attended by more than 280 Ukrainian and foreign companies.
Zelenskyy said, “Ukrainians have managed to build a de facto new defense industry.”
He touted the rapid growth of his country’s defense industries, saying, “The total number of drones we are now capable of producing annually in Ukraine is 4 million.”
Meanwhile, Russian forces are stepping up an offensive in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donetsk.
The governor of Donetsk told local media on Tuesday that Russian troops are closing in on the center of the city of Vuhledar, located southwest of the regional capital.
Observers say if Russian forces take control of Vuhledar, a distribution hub, their logistical support capabilities in eastern Ukraine could be heightened.