**Ukraine’s President Zelensky: US Support Crucial to Ukraine’s Defense**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview that around 40% of the country’s weapons and equipment used on the battlefield are made in Ukraine, while the US contributes about 30%. This support is crucial for Ukraine’s defense, he emphasized.
**US Aid Still Uncertain**
The US has been Ukraine’s largest military aid provider since Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, President Donald Trump’s administration has not clarified whether they plan to cut support after taking office. Zelensky hinted that any disruption in US aid could have severe consequences for Ukraine.
**Ukraine Boosts Domestic Defense Production**
To reduce its reliance on foreign support, Ukraine has increased its domestic defense production over the past few years. The country’s 2025 budget allocated Hr 55 billion ($1.3 billion) for weapons production.
**Russia Continues Attacks**
Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 104 Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This comes as British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv to discuss cooperation with Ukraine’s government.
**Ukraine Loses Thousands of Soldiers**
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has lost over 45,100 soldiers on the battlefield, Zelensky said.
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