Ukraine Facility Platform launches UAFP Live podcast series
UAFP Events
The Ukraine Facility Platform is launching a new podcast series – UAFP Live – where we’ll explore the issues our team is working on and seek out win-win solutions to foster effective cooperation between Ukraine and its international partners, all in the name of shared economic growth.
The first episode is dedicated to strengthening the security and defense capacity of Ukraine and Europe. How can Ukraine become part of the EU’s rearmament plans?
UAFP co-founder Roman Vybranovskyy discusses this with podcast guests Pavlo Verkhniatskyi, Managing Partner at COSA and co-founder of the Fincord-Polytech Science Park, and Olga Khoroshylova, Coordinator of the UAFP “Defense Industry” sector and Adviser to the Minister for Strategic Industries. Below is a brief overview of the key points.
What does Ukraine bring to the table in the defense sector?
Europe is coming to terms with the fact that building its own security system requires a stronger defense industry. Ukraine is seen as one of the countries where defense enterprises could be located.
Ukraine currently offers a more agile regulatory environment for launching new production than many EU states. What’s more, Ukraine has something Europe lacks – real wartime experience and the ability to rapidly scale successful projects and adopt new technologies. We can also test weapons systems in real combat conditions – and do so quickly.
Where might Ukraine fall behind?
European countries already have a roadmap to 2030 for fixing their defense sector challenges. Now Europe is trying to do what Ukraine has already done: grow fast. If we hesitate in defining our strategy, we risk being left behind.
The EU is facing a crisis of critical dependencies. To expand its defense capabilities, it needs to listen to the manufacturers – and it’s actively seeking partnerships across different sectors, including with business. Ukraine should take note. Our ability to integrate into the EU’s defense ecosystem and secure our place in supply chains depends on a proactive stance – from both government and industry.
Can Ukraine expect to engage in joint defense projects with other countries?
Some joint projects are already underway – including partnerships between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The ReArm Europe initiative leaves room for NATO allies to contribute to strengthening Europe’s defense capacity. The EU is also looking to engage partners with strong defense industries, such as Norway, the UK, and Turkey.
Europe has realized the need to consolidate its defense market, and this creates a real opportunity for Ukraine. Getting Ukrainian businesses involved is essential.
What is the cost of delay for Ukraine?
We risk missing the window to integrate into the EU’s defense sector. Over time, this could lead to stagnation – and potentially the collapse – of Ukraine’s defense industry after the war. Right now, however, Europe sees Ukraine as a partner capable of launching joint ventures and scaling successful practices.
It’s important to understand: the EU has no choice but to move forward with its rearmament initiative. It’s a matter of security. The question is whether Ukraine is ready to walk this path with its European partners. That will take commitment from all levels of government – and initiative from both industry and business.
We will continue this conversation – and discuss how investment in Ukraine can strengthen the EU’s strategic position in key sectors – at our upcoming conferences in Berlin and Brussels.
