**Ukraine Plans to Raise Over $1 Billion for Defense Production**
The Ukrainian government plans to raise over $1 billion in 2025 to develop its defense production capabilities, using a model inspired by Denmark. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on January 3.
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine aims to expand its domestic defense production capacity to $30 billion next year. The country has already received funding from Denmark, France, and Lithuania to bolster its defense industry.
The “Danish model” is a partnership that allows Kyiv to secure funding from allies specifically for its defense production. This model has been successful in the past, with Ukraine producing 18 domestically-developed Bohdana self-propelled howitzers financed by Copenhagen last year.
**Ukraine’s Defense Efforts**
Denmark became the first country to offer to donate arms to Ukraine via direct purchases from the Ukrainian defense industry. Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov praised the Danish model, saying it was not only a show of solidarity but also a determination to support Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
Ukraine has made significant progress in its defense production capabilities in recent years. The country’s Embassy in Warsaw has denied reports of a fake document that allegedly showed Poland’s Office for Foreigners had issued a letter condemning Ukraine’s agricultural imports.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russian attacks killing two people and injuring at least 13 others over the past day. The Ukrainian government has announced plans to strengthen its defense capabilities in response to these attacks.
The situation is also affecting international relations, with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean criticizing the Kremlin for using energy as a “political weapon”. Ukraine terminated Russian natural gas transit through its territory on January 1.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Russia’s Transport Ministry has claimed that the amount of oil spilled in the Kerch Strait by two Russian oil tankers is significantly less than initially estimated. The incident is being investigated as possible sabotage.
Additionally, the Bureau of Industry and Security has warned about the risks of foreign adversaries accessing sensitive U.S. data through supply chains, including those from China and Russia.
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