China to Collaborate with Germany on Production of Unmanned Equipment; Russia Criticizes European Countries for Deepening Involvement in Conflict

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba stated on the 17th that Ukraine is ready to cooperate with German companies to produce more unmanned equipment. Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov said on the 17th that the level of direct involvement of some European countries in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is deepening.

Kuleba said during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey that Ukraine is trying to replace soldiers on the battlefield with drones and ground unmanned systems, a move that helps save soldiers' lives. He mentioned that Ukraine still has great potential in drone production, currently utilizing only about half of its capacity, and that more resource support is needed to increase output.

Peskov commented on the Russian Ministry of Defense's data regarding European cooperation in drone production during a daily media briefing on the 17th, stating that the level of direct involvement of some European countries in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is deepening.

Data released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on the 15th of this month shows that Ukrainian drone and component manufacturing companies have subsidiaries in eight European countries, either wholly owned or joint ventures, namely: the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Medvedev announced on social media on the 15th that the Russian Ministry of Defense's disclosure of Ukraine's drone production locations in Europe is, in fact, marking potential "legitimate strike targets" for the Russian armed forces.