Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, during his visit to Kyiv alongside Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, expressed hope that business relations between the US and Ukraine will expand in the military sector. Graham emphasized that cooperation in the field of mineral extraction already exists, and further development of the partnership could encompass the defense industry.
This is reported by Kyiv24
US and Ukraine: Prospects for Military-Industrial Interaction
The senator noted that due to the large number of critically important minerals, Ukraine holds strategic significance for the economy, creating a foundation for the development of joint projects in defense. Lindsey Graham expressed hope that the American military-industrial complex would be able to sell modern weapons to Ukraine, and other countries could purchase this equipment and transfer it to the Ukrainian side. Graham also sees potential for the establishment of joint ventures in the defense industry.
“Ukraine is fortunate to sit on top of trillions of dollars’ worth of critically important minerals needed for the economy of the 21st century. Right now, we have business relations. I hope these business relations will expand into the military sector. So that the American military-industrial complex sells Ukraine the weapons we develop. Other countries could buy them from us and supply them to Ukraine. But from a business relations perspective, I see them transitioning into the defense sector, where joint ventures will be created,” Graham noted.
At the same time, the senator refrained from giving a direct answer regarding the chances of Congress approving a new military aid package for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Role in the Development of Drone Technologies
Graham also highlighted the significant experience of Ukrainians in the development and use of drones. According to him, the United States plans to adopt these advancements and develop joint cooperation in the field of drones, which could foster mutually beneficial business relations in the defense sector between both countries.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal agreed that Ukraine currently leads in the implementation of drone technologies. He also reminded that most of the military equipment received by Ukraine is produced in American enterprises, creating jobs for US citizens. However, according to Blumenthal, many Americans are not aware of this fact.
Expert opinions regarding future decisions by Congress remain cautious. Previously, the US Special Representative for Ukraine from 2017 to 2019, Kurt Volker, stated that the new administration of the United States is unlikely to initiate the allocation of new military aid packages for Ukraine.