US and Ukraine could pursue joint producton of weapons on Ukrainian territory Tuesday, August 23, 2016 2:32:00 PM

Ukraine should initiate discussions with the US with regard to the joint production of weapons and ammunition in Ukraine, as this will be beneficial to both countries. This was said by the Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Valeriy Chaly.

“I think we should not only discuss the supply of weapons, but we should also seriously discuss the joint production of weapons and ammunition. Over the last two years, Ukraine has not only rebuilt the army virtually from scratch, but also returned workers back to the plants which will, with the assistance of funding, restore the military-industrial potential of the country. This is why we need the weapons to be produced on the territory of Ukraine. This is also a good option for the US as there is a possibility to access other markets,” Chaly said this during an interview with the 5 Kanal Ukrainian TV channel on Monday.

When asked to specify what would be produced, Chaly mentioned the fact that after the occupation of eastern Ukraine, occupiers dismantled and removed the industrial facilities that produced ammunition. “Therefore, we need to produce ammunition somewhere and this issue will need to be solved somehow,” Chaly added.

He also stressed that this type of production can also be profitable for the US. He added that the production of armaments in Ukraine would make it possible to deliver it to other countries. “The production of lethal weapons in Ukraine is a strategy. If the partners are committed, they will be seen as key countries in the region,” Chaly said.

He did however mention that this possible joint production does not cancel the delivery of non-lethal weapons to Ukraine.

“Today, we have a good situation, and an understanding, with the US with regard to the security and defense sector. Defense equipment will be arriving, I cannot say when, but it will be coming in the next few days. This equipment will save the lives of our soldiers on the front lines,” Chaly said.

He reiterated the fact that the US has allocated $650 million in support of Ukraine this year. A total of $335 million was allocated for defense and security. Chaly is hoping for more active cooperation with US partners in the future.

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