The development of Ukraine’s defense industry will support its needs and reduce dependence on Western aid. However, Russia is actively trying to hinder this, according to a report by ISW. In Ukraine, officials have expressed their intention to expand the defence-industrial base inside the country and abroad since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov previously identified increasing domestic production of weapons and military equipment in Ukraine as a priority for 2024. “The short- and medium-term provision of Western air defences to Ukraine will be a critic…