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A priority now is signing joint ventures with European and American defence companies. This summer, Ukraine's state-owned conglomerate Ukroboronprom inked an agreement with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall to repair damaged Leopard tanks and other armour alongside producing new vehicles.

That was one of "about 20" agreements signed with different companies and partners for joint co-operation and production, Shmyhal said, without giving any details. Some western governments are wary of signing off on such deals, fearing that their citizens might be killed in a Russian strike on a facility.

FT: Ukraine Repurposes US-Supplied AIM-9s Missiles For Air Defense