The outside world is wavering in its support for Ukraine and the country needs to increase its domestic weapons production, analysts say.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promises that one million drones will be produced next year.
TV4 Nyheterna can now show unique images from inside one of the factories.
– We have to fight for our lives, says Andrii Fialkovskyi, CEO of Skyeton.
There are several signs that the Western world is beginning to waver in its support for Ukraine. In the US, Congress has failed to agree on a new major aid package, and within the EU, Hungary has blocked a new financial aid of 50 billion euros.
But at a press conference on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was confident of continued support from the West. At the same time, he pointed out that Ukraine needs to increase its domestic weapons production, and he specifically mentioned drones, which have become one of the most important weapons in the war against Russia.
Reaches over 100 miles
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during the press conference that Ukraine will produce one million of its own camera drones and 11,000 attack drones next year.
TV4 Nyheterna can now show unique images from inside one of the factories. The facility is located in the Kiev area and is owned by the company Skyeton, which until now rarely allowed foreign journalists inside.
– We must increase our production capacity. We are a small country compared to Russia. We have to fight for our lives, for our independence, says CEO Andrii Fialkovskyi.
The drone produced at the factory can reach over 100 miles over enemy lines and is used to scout for and direct artillery fire at Russian targets.
“Every piece is essential”
The importance of drones in the Russian war of invasion has grown and the change is fast in terms of technology.
– We work 24 hours a day, we develop new and better products, says Andrii Fialkovskyi.
Ukrainian security analyst Valeriy Hrysha welcomes the increased production.
– Every little bit of military production is essential for Ukraine. The war against Russia may go on forever. Judging by Russia’s history, I don’t think this will end in a truce or peace negotiations, he says.