Defense Ministers of Ukraine and France Commit to Cooperation on Weapons

France and Ukraine have committed to continue supplying weapons for Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces and to collaborate on the joint development of weapons production. Rustem Umerov, the Ukrainian Defense Minister, stated that he discussed strengthening cooperation in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine and technical issues with his French counterpart. At a press conference alongside Sébastien Lecornu, the French Defense Minister, Umerov mentioned that dozens of projects are either underway or under review, all aimed at organizing the joint production of new weapons or maintaining existing ones. Lecornu also stated that France and Ukraine will review 'what they can do in terms of purchasing or producing weapons.' France will also maintain the current level of training for Ukrainian soldiers, which has reached over 7,000 this year. Ukraine began its counteroffensive in June with the aim of reclaiming occupied territories and taking the initiative in Russia's full-scale invasion. Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, calling it a 'special military operation' to disarm its neighbor. This war has so far killed thousands, displaced millions, and turned many cities in eastern and southern Ukraine into rubble. NATO Secretary General: Weapons worth $2.5 billion will be provided to Ukraine. The U.S. has sanctioned five companies and two individuals for supplying 'sensitive components' for Iranian-made drones. Increasing evidence of 'Russian war crimes'; UN inspectors reported in Ukraine. Zelensky: American investors have expressed readiness to help rebuild Ukraine. Trudeau hosts Zelensky; Canada continues to support Ukraine. While Zelensky is negotiating in the U.S., Russia targeted cities in Ukraine from east to west.