Zelensky presents awards to representatives of military-industrial complex

The President stated this at the ceremony dedicated to the first celebration of the Day of military-industrial complex employees, according to the president’s press service.

"The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex can become and, I am sure, will become one of the key branches of our economy, as it should have been since gaining our independence. We will see a corresponding increase in the volume of state orders. It’s our ambitious goal," the President said.

He stressed that Ukraine should develop and increase the production of domestic weapons, missiles, munitions, equipment, engines, etc. According to him, the Ukrainian state has already started producing artillery, guns, munitions, and is developing new technologies in the sphere of UAV and naval drone production.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s ambitious goals also include the ability to defend itself and, after defeating the enemy – arms exports.

“And we have already proven during this war that we can achieve any ambitious goal. Ukraine will always cooperate in matters of defense with the most powerful states and companies in the world. And we will do everything to ensure that the world's interest in cooperation with Ukraine in the defense industry is always at an appropriate, high level," he emphasized.

According to the president’s press service, the Head of State signed a decree establishing April 13 as the Day of military-industrial complex employees, and presented state awards to representatives of the domestic defense industry.

Zelensky noted that it was on this day a year ago that the missile cruiser Moskva, a flagship of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, was hit and sunk by Ukrainian-made Neptune anti-ship cruise missiles.

"Today is a significant day for us, when we remember a historic event for our state, when we honor everyone who provides the very possibility of such historic events for our independence, for our Ukraine, for all our Ukrainian people," the President said.

According to him, the Ukrainian-made missile helped restore order in the Ukrainian waters of the Black Sea. This was the first use of Neptune in combat conditions, and it became historic.

At the meeting, all those present honored the memory of all heroes, people who died working for Ukraine and ensuring its defense, with a moment of silence.