Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that leading American corporations are ready not only to direct new investments into Ukrainian defense technologies but also to begin joint production of weapons and military equipment directly on Ukrainian territory. The head of state announced this in his Telegram channel, as subsequently reported by RBC-Ukraine. The statement came against the backdrop of the country's preparations for the winter season and the search for additional sources of resilience in the defense and energy sectors.
Negotiations in New York: Over 30 Companies and the Group of Economic Advisors
According to Zelensky, in New York he held a series of meetings with the leadership of more than thirty leading US companies, as well as with members of the Group of Economic Advisors. The central topic of these negotiations was assistance to Ukraine that will help the state withstand the upcoming winter. "There will be new investments in defense technologies and joint production, and there are agreements on joint projects in the energy sector as well. Strengthening our resilience in various areas is the main task for the state and our partners ahead of the winter season," the president emphasized.
Joint Production and New Investment Instruments
In addition to the defense block, the negotiations covered the creation of a sovereign fund, mechanisms for insuring military risks, and forms of financing available to American investors right now. Zelensky summed up that Kyiv "greatly values everyone who is already cooperating with Ukraine" and hopes that such partnerships will continue to grow. Thus, the discussion is not about a one-off delivery, but about forming a long-term production and financial link between the Ukrainian and American economies.
Patriot and Raytheon: Production in Ukraine Could Start Within the Next Year
Separately, Zelensky recalled the recent statement that the American company Raytheon, which manufactures missiles for Patriot air defense systems, is ready to launch their production directly in Ukraine. According to the president, Kyiv has already appealed to US President Donald Trump to accelerate this process as much as possible. The head of state also noted that Ukraine already needs licenses to prepare for Patriot production, and added that the start of this project could take place within the next year.
Context: The Winter Season as a Test of Resilience
The totality of the announced agreements — from defense technologies and energy to a sovereign fund and insurance of military risks — points to Kyiv's attempt to diversify sources of support and shift relations with American business from a delivery format to a joint production format. At the same time, specific investment amounts, the list of companies, and exact launch timelines for the production lines have not yet been disclosed, leaving room for further clarifications as the announced agreements are implemented.
