Umerov, Kellogg Discuss Joint Arms Production Projects in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held a high-level meeting with General Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of the U.S. President for Ukraine, to discuss defense cooperation, future security plans, and joint arms production, The Gaze reports.

The talks focused on achieving a sustainable and just peace while strengthening Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.

Umerov expressed gratitude for continued U.S. support, noting that it “saves lives and brings the end of the war closer.” First Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for a long-term ceasefire, emphasizing that peace must rest on the foundation of a strong army and defense industry.

A key part of the discussion centered on expanding joint weapons production in Ukraine and Europe — particularly in the field of air defense — with some projects already underway. 

Umerov stressed that these efforts could be scaled further with European partners and potentially financed through the use of frozen Russian assets.

Ukraine also offered to share its unique combat experience, especially in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which has proven critical on the battlefield.

The Ukrainian side urged for tougher sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, which remains a primary source of funding for its military aggression.

Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Major General Andrii Hnatov, and Head of Defense Intelligence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov briefed the U.S. delegation on the battlefield situation and Russia’s broader military objectives, including potential threats to NATO.

As The Gaze previously reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump's special representative Keith Kellogg discussed the Russian-Ukrainian war. According to the Ukrainian leader, they had a ‘productive conversation.’