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Zelensky orders to set up new system linking military and industry

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Zelensky orders to set up new system linking military and industry
Zelensky holds a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Jan. 29, 2024. (Volodymyr Zelensky / X)

During a meeting with military and government officials and defense industry representatives, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 14 ordered the creation of a new "comprehensive system linking the army and industry."

The goal is to make manufacturers more aware of the needs on the front line, while Ukraine's Armed Forces will be better informed about production capabilities in all regions.

As the all-out war with Russia nears its two-year mark, Ukraine is increasing efforts to build up its own defense production capacities.

Self-reliance is especially vital now as support from the U.S., the key military donor, remains stalled due to opposition by parts of the Republican Party.

During the meeting, Zelensky and other leaders also discussed ways of "blinding" Russian surveillance drones, which help guide Russian artillery, through electronic warfare means.

"The front line requires a rapid response to challenges and threats. We make every effort to protect what is most important on the battlefield: our warriors' lives," Zelensky said.

Past months saw extensive changes in Ukraine's defense and military structures as the country seeks to adapt to the evolving nature of the war with Russia.

Most recently, Zelensky replaced Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, broadly regarded as a hero in the country, with Oleksandr Syrskyi, arguing that Ukraine needs "fresh energy."

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Martin Fornusek

Senior News Editor

Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.

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