...while Copenhagen opens its doors to the Ukrainian defense industry for the joint production of armaments

In these hours when rumors of a US disengagement have circulated, attention in Ukraine is focusing on strengthening air capabilities and international collaboration within the military industry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation today with US President Donald Trump, centered on the urgent need to reinforce the country’s air defense and on prospects for joint armament production. Simultaneously, a historic agreement was finalized in Copenhagen between Ukraine and Denmark, which will see Ukrainian defense companies opening production facilities on Danish territory.

During the conversation with President Trump, Zelensky (according to a note from the Kiev government) expressed gratitude for the American support received so far, emphasizing how essential it is to preserve Ukraine’s independence and the lives of its citizens. The dialogue took place in the wake of a massive Russian attack against civilian targets involving the launch of 539 drones, highlighting the desperate need for more robust protection. Zelensky stressed the necessity of protecting the population and saving lives. The two leaders thus discussed further practical steps, agreeing to work together to enhance the protection of Ukrainian airspace. A meeting between Ukrainian and American teams to deepen the issue has also been planned in the near term.

Another key point of the discussion concerned the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry and prospects for joint production. Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s willingness for direct projects with the United States, focusing particularly on drones and related technologies, also discussing mutual acquisitions and investments. The conversation touched on diplomatic efforts as well, with Zelensky reaffirming Ukraine’s support for American proposals for a stable and dignified peace.

While talks with the United States progress, Ukraine has signed a pioneering agreement with Denmark. Today, July 4, in Copenhagen, Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, and Danish Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, finalized agreements allowing Ukrainian defense companies to establish new production plants in Denmark. This understanding represents a significant step, as Denmark had already been the first country, a year ago, to finance weapon production by Ukrainian enterprises. Now, as Smetanin emphasized, Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine "exports its domestic defense technologies for production, expansion, and supply to the Ukrainian Army". Smetanin described the agreement as a "historic moment and a unique case for the Ukrainian defense industry", expressing deep gratitude for Danish assistance and calling Denmark a "true friend and steadfast ally".

The agreement also includes the removal of obstacles to cooperation and joint protection of technologies from misuse. Bødskov reiterated Denmark’s full support for Ukraine, highlighting how the initiative will not only contribute to producing defense material for Ukraine’s fight for freedom but will also boost Denmark’s defense industry through experience sharing. This collaboration is part of the "Zbroyari: Manufacturing Freedom" project, launched last April 16 with an allocation of 200 million Danish kroner (approximately 28.5 million US dollars) for the purchase of weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers. Oleksandr Kamyshyn, strategic affairs advisor to the Ukrainian president, remarked that this initiative goes beyond mere aid, representing a "sustainable cooperation based on shared interests and mutual benefit", with Ukraine and Europe producing weapons together for common security, building "the Arsenal of the Free World".