Ukraine calls for more defense investment, says war efforts boost European security

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Friday urged deeper international investment in Ukraine’s defense sector, saying the country’s battlefield-tested forces and drone technology already reinforce European and transatlantic security.

Speaking at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague, Sybiha said Ukraine’s goal is long-term self-sufficiency and called on partners to scale up cooperation in military production.

“With our unique drone technology and 110 brigades with daily combat experience, we are already an integral part of transatlantic security,” he said in a statement on X.

Sybiha said Kyiv remains committed to diplomacy and pointed out that Ukraine accepted a US-backed ceasefire proposal nearly 100 days ago. “Russia continues to reject it,” he said, accusing Moscow of using ultimatums instead of dialogue.

On the sidelines of the forum, Sybiha met with Slovenia’s State Secretary for National and International Security Vojko Volk to discuss expanding political and security coordination.

He also held talks with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren on strengthening Ukraine’s engagement with Latin America. Sybiha invited van Klaveren to visit Ukraine.