Ukraine's Prime Minister: Firm Commitment to Enhancing U.S. Cooperation and Advancing Mineral Agreements
Following the U.S. announcement to suspend military aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Tuesday reiterated Ukraine's unwavering commitment to cooperate with the United States. Even though the U.S. has halted arms supplies, he stated that the Ukrainian military can still maintain control on the battlefield against Russia and plans to enhance self-sufficiency through increased domestic arms production.
Shmyhal specifically mentioned that the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement remains on Ukraine's agenda. Ukraine is willing to engage in deeper economic cooperation with the U.S., particularly in the fields of rare earth elements and critical mineral resources. He stated, "We are seeking pragmatic cooperation opportunities based on economic grounds, particularly in establishing joint investment funds. We are ready to sign agreements and move forward in this direction."
U.S. Halts Military Aid, Ukraine Seeks Continued Support
According to media reports on Monday, President Trump ordered the suspension of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine until the Ukrainian leadership shows "sincerity in advancing a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement." This order includes all undelivered American weapons, including those being transported to Ukraine and those awaiting transfer in Poland.
This decision has shocked Ukraine, as U.S. military assistance is crucial in the war. The Ukrainian government fears that this move could impact battlefield dynamics while weakening Ukraine's bargaining position. Trump seems to be using the suspension of military aid as a means to accelerate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Shmyhal emphasized that American military support is vital for Ukraine and has saved thousands of lives. He stressed, "We are working to ensure this support continues until a peace agreement is reached, but it must be clear that this is based on conditions with Ukraine as the victimized country."
Ukraine Accelerates Enhancement of Domestic Arms Production
In face of uncertainty surrounding U.S. military aid, Ukraine is accelerating domestic weapons production to reduce external reliance. Ukrainian officials revealed that the U.S. provides about 40% of Ukraine's weapons, with Europe contributing about a third.
Shmyhal stated that in 2023, Ukraine's domestic military industry can meet about 30% of its needs, with plans to increase this to 50% this year. Drone production is a major focus, with plans to increase 2024's drone output from about one million to 2.5 million. Additionally, Ukraine plans to boost artillery and other ammunition production, though specific data were not disclosed.
Air Defense Systems Still Highly Dependent on the U.S.
Despite efforts to boost domestic military production, Ukraine remains heavily reliant on the U.S. for air defense systems. Shmyhal pointed out that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has launched over 8,000 missiles at Ukraine, and American Patriot air defense systems are the only equipment capable of effectively intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. He warned that maintenance, repair, and supply of these systems face challenges, and Ukraine hopes the U.S. will continue to provide necessary support to ensure its defense capabilities.
Future Outlook: The Path Ahead for U.S.-Ukraine Relations
Ukraine is striving to cope with the challenges of the U.S. halt in military aid while seeking to advance the U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement and accelerate domestic weapons production to gain the upper hand on the battlefield. However, U.S. aid policies remain uncertain, and the future reinstatement of aid by the Trump administration will depend on Ukraine's stance on peace talks and changes in the international situation. In the coming weeks, developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations and changes in the battlefield dynamics will be a focal point of global attention.
