Zelenskyy: US positive about missile licence issue for first time

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday, June 19, that he has received positive signals from the G7, including from former U.S. President Donald Trump, regarding Ukraine's request for licenses to produce anti-ballistic missiles domestically. This marks a significant development, as previous attempts under the Biden administration did not yield such positive responses.

Zelenskyy conveyed his optimism during a joint press conference in Kyiv, stating his hope that the U.S. administration and manufacturers will conduct necessary consultations and return with a favorable decision. He emphasized that Ukraine possesses the capabilities required for such production and that this issue has been a priority since the Biden administration, though without success until now.

This development follows Zelenskyy's earlier statements this week, where he indicated Trump's positive response to the proposal. Trump later confirmed he would consider Ukraine's request for manufacturing licenses for interceptor missiles. The potential U.S. approval could significantly bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

In parallel, Ukraine continues to strengthen its defense industry through international cooperation. Ukrainian and German companies are set to collaborate on the production of anti-ballistic systems under an agreement signed on June 18 in Brussels. Furthermore, Ukraine has been working with European and American partners to establish European production of air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, a process initiated in early June.

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Strengthening Ukraine's air defence. On this issue, I have received a positive signal from the entire G7, including President Trump. Licences for the production of our missiles are, for the first time, being viewed positively by the American side. Previously, I had been raising this issue since the administration of president Biden, but we never received anything. And now, God willing, they will conduct all the necessary consultations... with manufacturers, within the administration and with the military. I very much hope they will return with a positive response and that we will be able to obtain the licences.