Ukraine asks allies to allocate 0.25% of GDP to boost its weapon production
UKRAINE, JUN 21 – Zelenskyy highlights Ukraine's $35 billion defense production potential with 40% unfunded and seeks joint ventures plus export agreements to sustain military efforts.
On June 20, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s Western allies to dedicate 0.25% of their GDP to strengthening Ukraine’s defense manufacturing capacity ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague.
In response to increasing defense requirements amid heightened tensions with Russia, Ukraine is engaging in negotiations with several Western countries, including Denmark, Norway, and Germany, to develop joint weapons manufacturing partnerships.
Ukraine's defense production potential exceeds $35 billion and includes nearly 1,000 product types such as artillery, armored vehicles, drones, and missiles, but about 40% lacks proper funding to reach full capacity.
Zelenskyy highlighted the 'Build With Ukraine' program set to begin exporting military technologies and opening production lines in Europe this summer, while Denmark pioneered direct arms purchases from Ukraine's industry.
The appeal implies increased defense investments from allies could strengthen Ukraine's capacity and contribute to a more powerful European security system amid the NATO meeting's focus on raising member states' defense spending.
As part of the EU initiative to supply Ukraine with two million munitions in 2025, a commitment of 80% of the planned volume has already been declared.