Latest news with #ValeriiChurkin
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ukraine's Defence Ministry approved 12 automotive equipment models in April
In April 2025, Ukraine's Defence Ministry codified and approved 12 models of automotive vehicles for various purposes, more than 60% of which are Ukrainian-made. Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry Details: Over 50 models of automotive equipment have been codified and approved for use since the beginning of 2025, according to data from the Main Directorate for Support of the Life Cycle of Weapons and Military Equipment. These include wheeled evacuation tractor-transporters, vehicles for transporting bulky goods, and modern all-terrain chassis for a wide range of applications. In addition to Ukrainian vehicles, the fleet of vehicles also includes models from the world's leading automakers. "Troop mobility and the prompt execution of logistics tasks depend on the available vehicle fleet. Ukrainian manufacturers have already mastered the production of certain vehicles. The army needs more modern vehicles with broad functionality," said Deputy Defence Minister Valerii Churkin. Background: Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine's Defence Ministry allocated one-third of its defence budget to technological weaponry. One of the Ministry's objectives for 2025 is to standardise the technical requirements for UAVs. In response to an enquiry from Ekonomichna Pravda, the Ministry of Defence also said that overdue receivables under contracts for weapons purchases had increased by UAH 13 billion (US$313 million) since the beginning of 2025. The ministry noted that as of 1 January 2024, overdue receivables under arms procurement contracts totalled UAH 39.6 billion (US$953 million). By 1 January 2025, this had risen to UAH 45 billion (US$1 billion), and by 13 March 2025 (the latest available data at the time of the response), the amount had increased to UAH 58 billion (US$1.3 billion). In 2025, as part of the Weapons of Victory initiative, the Ministry signed contracts worth almost UAH 130 billion (US$3.1 billion) with 12 Ukrainian arms manufacturers. Weapons of Victory is a mechanism for long-term contracts—ranging from three to ten years – for domestic manufacturers of weapons and military equipment. Among the requirements for Ukrainian arms manufacturers seeking to be included in the programme and enter into long-term contracts are: mandatory codification, mass production capability, and a localisation level of at least 50%. It has also been reported that Lithuania is considering launching the production of naval drones and other weapons under the 1+1 scheme – one unit for Lithuania and one for Ukraine. Lithuania's Defence Ministry has also expressed an interest in missile drones and other weaponry. The ministry is considering joint production of certain types of weapons in Lithuania on a 1+1 basis. Lithuania would fund the production and transfer half of the output to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukraine's Defence Ministry approved over 120 new types of weapons in April
In April 2025, Ukraine's Defence Ministry authorised the adoption of more than 120 new types of weapons and military equipment, with over 85% produced by domestic manufacturers. Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Details: Deputy Defence Minister Valerii Churkin noted that the majority of the newly approved systems are Ukrainian-made. Since the start of 2025, over 400 domestically produced weapon and equipment units have been codified for use. The new additions include unmanned aerial systems, their corresponding munitions, electronic warfare tools, modern communications systems, robotic platforms and vehicles. Notably, the Armed Forces have received over 40 new drones guided via fibre-optic cable. Quote from Valerii Churkin: "What we currently have in our arsenal is not enough. We must respond to challenges more quickly and invest more in technological weaponry. Each strongpoint must be reinforced as much as possible with unmanned systems." Background: On 1 May, it was reported that the company Aquaspirit would provide the Ukrainian military with combat boats to reinforce them at sea. Ukrainian units are already actively using the company's products. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over 95% of drones used at front line made in Ukraine, defense ministry says
More than 95% of the drones used by the Ukrainian forces at the front line are made in Ukraine, Interfax Ukraine reported on April 28, citing Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been developing and deploying technological innovations and cutting-edge unmanned systems. Both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly relied on drone warfare, using aerial, naval, and ground-based drones for reconnaissance and combat missions. "We have made a breakthrough in the unmanned systems sector. More than 95% of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) currently used at the front are Ukrainian-made," Churkin said. Churkin added that in 2024, Ukraine's Defense Ministry authorized more than 330 new models of domestically produced unmanned systems, compared to only 75 models a year earlier. Since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has increasingly turned to innovation and home production. More than 40% of the weapons used on the front line are now produced in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 16. In the 2025 budget, Ukraine allocated $1.3 billion to defense manufacturing to reduce its reliance on foreign arms deliveries. The government plans to raise over $1 billion this year to support local arms procurement through a so-called Danish model, under which countries can donate arms to Ukraine by purchasing them directly from Ukrainian domestic producers. Read also: Ukraine to continue fighting with or without Trump, experts say We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ukraine's Defence Ministry approves use of new Dzhura-EVAK armoured fighting vehicle
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has officially approved the use of the Dzhura-EVAK evacuation armoured fighting vehicle in the defence forces of Ukraine. It is manufactured by a domestic company with many years of experience in armoured vehicles. Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Quote: "The evacuation vehicle has a powerful diesel engine, 4×4 wheel configuration and a reliable manual transmission. To perform tasks in off-road conditions and difficult terrain, the manufacturer has improved the vehicle's chassis, installed reinforced front and rear suspensions, off-road tyres, strengthened brakes, etc." Details: The Ministry of Defence said that the Dzhura-EVAK evacuation armoured fighting vehicle is built on a modular principle and is designed for six people, including a driver and a combat medic. Dzhura-EVAK armoured fighting vehicle. Photo: Ukraine's Defence Ministry The vehicle has an armoured car body that protects it from small arms, bullets, debris and explosions. To ensure safe transportation of the wounded, the vehicle is equipped with everything necessary: a video surveillance system, light camouflage, ventilation, air conditioning, anti-drone systems and automatic stretcher loading. Dzhura-EVAK armoured fighting vehicle. Photo: Ukraine's Defence Ministry "The driving characteristics [of the evacuation vehicle - ed.], ballistic protection, and the availability of assets to counter enemy UAV attacks. Often, the chances of successfully completing evacuation tasks in difficult situations depend on these factors," said Deputy Defence Minister Valerii Churkin. Background: In 2024, Ukraine's Defence Ministry approved more than 1,300 samples of weaponry and military equipment for use by the Ukrainian army. On 6 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered the first batch of advanced Ukrainian-made Peklo missile drones, with a range of up to 700 km, to the defence forces. On 27 December, the Defence Ministry authorised the use of the Ravlyk robotic platform by Ukrainian troops. On 31 December, it was reported that the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine had approved the use of a domestically produced Hromylo drone in the Ukrainian army. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukraine offers battlefield testing to foreign defense firms
Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin encouraged international partners to test their military technology in combat on April 8, the Defense Ministry reported. "The opportunities offered by Ukraine to international partners include testing products in real combat conditions and developing long-term partnerships within joint ventures," Churkin said at the Estonian-Ukrainian defense forum. His remarks came during Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur's visit to Ukraine, which was accompanied by representatives of more than 30 Estonian defense companies. The delegation attended a forum where nearly 90 Ukrainian defense firms showcased domestic products and explored cooperation with their Estonian counterparts. "The strength of the Estonian defense industry is certainly everything related to drones, technology, and intelligence. However, our entrepreneurs should not limit themselves to these areas," Pevkur said. "We certainly have something to learn from the Ukrainians." Ukraine has significantly expanded its domestic defense industry in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that around 40% of the weapons and equipment used on the battlefield are produced domestically. In its 2025 budget, Ukraine allocated Hr 55 billion ($1.3 billion) to defense manufacturing in an effort to reduce dependence on foreign deliveries. Zelensky has underscored that international support remains essential, warning that delays or cuts — especially from the U.S. — could severely weaken Ukraine's ability to hold the front. Estonia, one of Ukraine's most consistent supporters, has emphasized the importance of long-term defense cooperation and joint development. Read also: US made 'no decision' yet on cutting military presence in Europe, Pentagon says We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
