Summary #
The video discusses a significant shift in the narrative about the Ukraine war, even among traditionally nationalist Russian media, acknowledging Ukraine's increasing military strength and self-sufficiency. It details Ukraine's booming domestic defense industry, its co-production agreements with Western partners, and the strategic decentralization of its production facilities across Europe to mitigate Russian strikes. The overall message is that Ukraine, far from collapsing, is becoming a major defense manufacturer, defying Russia's initial goals of demilitarization.
Russian Media Acknowledges Ukraine's Strength #
- Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent Russian nationalist media figure, admitted on live television that Ukraine is "not collapsing, it's growing stronger."
- He acknowledged the underestimation of Ukraine's capabilities by the Russian military.
- Solovyov noted that NATO was not just sending finished products, and Ukraine has its own production and foreign volunteers.
Growth of Ukraine's Domestic Military-Industrial Complex #
- Ukraine's Ministry of Defense increased domestic procurement by €3.66 billion from January to July 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Ukrainian-made weapons and equipment now account for 71.4% of all defense purchases.
- Domestic production share:
- 2022: Under 10%
- 2023: Over 35%
- Mid-2025: At least 40%
President Zelenskyy's Goals and Projections #
- President Zelenskyy set a goal for 50% of front-line weapons to be Ukrainian-made by the end of the year, likely to be surpassed.
- Ukraine's defense industry has multiplied several times since 2022.
- Projected $35 billion USD in domestic drone and missile production for next year.
Ukraine's Leadership in Unmanned Systems and Missile Capabilities #
- Ukraine is a leader in Europe for unmanned systems, with strike drones dominating the battlefield.
- Naval drones have transformed Black Sea control, making it dangerous for Russian forces.
- Expansion of missile capabilities, with plans for regular use of Ukrainian ballistic missiles.
International Decentralization of Ukraine's Defense Industry #
- Ukraine is spreading its industrial footprint across Europe to shield production from Russian strikes.
- Partnerships and joint ventures with countries like Poland, Denmark, and Germany.
- Denmark's "Build for Ukraine" initiative allocates $50 million for Ukrainian defense firms to operate on Danish soil.
- One company is preparing to produce solid rocket fuel in Denmark.
- Benefits Denmark with access to new technologies and battlefield experience.
Production Statistics Across Sectors #
- Drones: Around 95% domestically made, remaining 5% from Danish and German facilities.
- Missiles: Roughly 80% domestic, remaining covered by joint projects in Poland and Denmark, including next-generation long-range systems.
- Artillery Shells: 70-75% domestic output, producing over 2.5 million rounds in 2024. Additional capacity built abroad through partnerships with Poland and other European NATO allies.
- Interlocking networks ensure production continuity even if one factory is struck.
Conclusion on Ukraine's Position #
- Ukraine, once heavily reliant on foreign aid, is becoming one of Europe's largest defense manufacturers while under constant attack.
- This contrasts with Russia's bleeding economy and shrinking ammunition output due to sanctions.
- Contrary to Putin's 2022 goal of demilitarization, Ukraine is more militarized than ever, with self-sufficient production, expanding international facilities, and advanced precision weapons.
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