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Zelenskyy Links Weapons Production to Reform Ahead of Government Reshuffle
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
In his national address on the evening of July 14, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined a vision for Ukraine’s defense and economic future, placing domestic weapons production and regulatory reform at the center of his proposed government reshuffle.
“We will definitely continue expanding our own weapons production and developing all of our defense projects—both Ukrainian and joint with partners,” Zelenskyy said. “This is one of the key priorities for the renewed government.”
Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine must increase the share of domestically produced arms, calling it “an absolutely clear goal” and essential for long-term resilience.
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“We must increase the share of our own weapons production,” he declared. “We must compete globally in technology through our own developments.”
This pivot reflects Kyiv’s growing effort to become less dependent on international military aid and to position Ukraine as a capable contributor to global defense innovation.
The President stressed that Ukraine’s economic strength must be directed toward supporting the Armed Forces:
“We need to channel more of our own, Ukrainian, economic power to sustain our Defense Forces.”
Zelenskyy signaled that government-led economic reform would play a critical role in this transformation. Key to that will be deregulation and the elimination of institutional inefficiencies, a move he said would “cut unnecessary spending” and unleash Ukraine’s internal industrial capacity.
“It is important to carry out deregulation and give society more opportunities to develop our internal potential,” he said. “We must remove all excessive bureaucracy and duplication of functions in our state institutions.”
Balancing reform with social responsibility, Zelenskyy called for stronger safety nets and performance from public programs:
“At the same time, we must give our people—all Ukrainians—more social confidence. All resilience programs in Ukraine must work 100%.”
This message comes as Ukraine braces for a long-term defense and industrial effort amid continued military pressure from Russia. Domestic drone production, artillery output, and high-tech defense initiatives are already expanding, though gaps remain.
The President also announced that he had asked Yuliya Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, to head the new government.
“I’ve proposed that Yuliya Svyrydenko lead the government of Ukraine and renew its work based on her experience supporting Ukrainian manufacturing and entrepreneurship.”
Meanwhile, current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal may be shifted to lead the Ministry of Defense, reflecting the high stakes now associated with that role.
“The vast experience of Denys Shmyhal will certainly be valuable in the position of Minister of Defense—that’s where the country’s maximum resources and responsibilities are focused now.”
Zelenskyy concluded by urging a rapid audit of all existing defense and economic agreements with international partners, aiming to determine which are effective and which require “revision or activation.”
Previously, it was reported that the Ukrainian state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom has signed an agreement with the US-based D&M Holding Company to establish a joint production facility for chemical components used in ammunition manufacturing. The facility will be located in the United States.
