Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov emphasized the importance of supporting the Ukrainian drone market, stating that the ministry aims to develop this market for a wide range of applications. Meanwhile, Canada sent its first "Leopard 2" tank to Kyiv, according to Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand.
In detail, during a meeting with over 100 Ukrainian drone developers and manufacturers, alongside Ukrainian government officials and representatives from the Armed Forces General Staff, Minister Reznikov highlighted the importance of bolstering the Ukrainian drone market. He noted that these steps are being taken "to meet the needs and demands of the Ukrainian army in facing the large-scale Russian invasion."
The Defense Minister stressed the necessity of correcting artillery units and conducting strikes via drones, in addition to providing ammunition supplies and evacuating injured soldiers from the battlefield. He pointed out that the current needs of the Ukrainian defense forces amount to hundreds of thousands of drones in various modifications, and efforts are underway to meet these requirements. He added that during the eight months of full-scale war, a number of drones have been operational that surpass those in the past five years.
Minister Reznikov indicated that the independence of Ukraine's military-industrial complex is one of the most important elements of the country's defense capability, with one of the ministry's main directions currently being the development and support of the Ukrainian drone market.
On another note, Canada announced on Saturday that it has sent the first of the promised Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Minister Anita Anand stated on Twitter that a Canadian Air Force aircraft "departed from Halifax with the first Leopard 2 tank we are providing to Ukraine," and emphasized that her country "stands in solidarity with Ukraine," underlining continued efforts to equip the Ukrainian armed forces with necessary equipment for victory.
In another tweet, accompanied by a video of the tank being loaded and the aircraft taking off, she stated, "The battle tanks are on their way to help Ukraine. The first Canadian Leopard 2 tank has been sent. Canada's support for Ukraine is unwavering." It is noteworthy that in late January, Canada announced its decision to deliver four German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine following similar announcements from several Western countries.
