**Ukraine Receives €150 Million in Funding for Defense Industry**
The government of Ukraine has received a significant boost to its defense industry, with the country receiving over €150 million (approximately $156 million) from Denmark, France, and Lithuania. The funding was announced by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on December 29.
**What the Funds Will Be Used For**
The funds will be used to support the production of long-range drones, missiles, and artillery in Ukraine. These domestically produced weapons are critical to Ukraine’s defense strategy and provide an alternative to Western arms, which often come with usage restrictions. The funding also addresses shortages of artillery ammunition on the battlefield.
**Breakdown of Funding**
Denmark contributed €111 million (approximately $116 million) through agreements between Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, the Strategic Industries Ministry, and the Danish Defense Ministry. France provided a €29 million (approximately $30 million) grant to enhance Ukraine’s security and defense capabilities. Lithuania allocated €10 million (approximately $10.4 million) under a memorandum involving the Lithuanian and Ukrainian defense ministries.
**Ukraine’s Defense Strategy**
President Volodymyr Zelensky previously announced plans for Ukraine to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones in the coming year as part of the country’s resilience plan. The funding marks a significant step in boosting Ukraine’s self-reliance in arms production as the war continues.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Russia has escalated its aerial assault on Ukraine, launching over 280 guided bombs, nearly 370 attack drones, and more than 80 missiles in the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The U.N. Humanitarian Aid Organization for Children (UNICEF) reported that child casualties in Ukraine have exceeded the total for 2023.
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