Zelenskyy Sets Drone Production as Key Priority for 2025

On January 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting focused on strengthening defense procurement and production targets for 2025.

Addressing military and government leaders, Zelenskyy emphasized the goal of making the upcoming year a record-breaking period for the development and deployment of drones and other critical military technologies.

During the session, updates were presented on contracts currently underway and those in the planning stages. “It is a shared responsibility of weapons manufacturers, government officials, and all stakeholders to make this year unprecedented in terms of drone production. Additionally, significant progress must be made in manufacturing Ukrainian rockets, artillery, and other essential equipment,” Zelenskyy said in a statement shared on Telegram.

The President underlined the importance of increasing drone procurement, a task he confirmed is already in motion. He also highlighted the role of domestic military capabilities as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s independence, alongside the precision of the country’s armed forces.

“I extend my gratitude to all units executing strikes on Russian military targets and logistics infrastructure. Achieving more such outcomes is crucial,” Zelenskyy noted.

The meeting further defined priorities for defense procurement in 2025, focusing on expanding the arsenal available to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated that boosting the production and availability of drones, artillery, and other military assets remains essential for supporting ongoing defense operations.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region during a special operation. The detainees, now in Kyiv under the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), are cooperating with investigators.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed their capture and emphasized the need for global awareness of such incidents. Initial questioning, conducted with the assistance of South Korean translators, revealed that the soldiers had participated in joint training with Russian forces.