KIEV (Sputnik) — Speaking on the issue at a televised opening of a defense exhibition in central Kiev, Poroshenko said that Ukraine must bring its weapons to the "level of the 21st century."
He called on scientists, designers and defense company chiefs to develop new missiles, artillery systems, smart bombs, attack drones, and other types of weapons.
Ukraine, which has been mired in a military conflict in the southeastern regions for three years, has repeatedly asked for supplies of lethal and non-lethal weapons from the European Union and the United States.
The majority of European politicians spoke against the supply of arms to Ukraine. For example, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier previously stated that the supply of arms to Ukraine is a very risky and counterproductive way out of the crisis. The chairman of the NATO military committee, Gen. Peter Pavel, said that he did not see the need for the supply of lethal weapons to Kiev, because it would only increase the suffering of people.
Russia has repeatedly warned against plans to supply arms to Ukraine, since this step will only lead to an escalation of the conflict in the Donbass region.
The conflict so far has claimed the lives of over 10,000 people.
