THIS WEEK IN UKRAINE
13 February 2025
This Week Zelenskyy Held Key Diplomatic Engagements:
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With NATO Military Committee Chair Giuseppe Cavo Dragone: Discussed Ukraine’s defense needs, NATO support, and joint investments in long-range weapons production.
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With U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Explored economic security guarantees, sanctions on Russia, and a new U.S.-Ukraine economic partnership agreement.
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With U.S. President Donald Trump: Addressed strategies for achieving peace, Ukraine’s technological capabilities, and cooperation on economic and security matters.
Ukraine Receives First Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets from France
On February 6, 2025, Ukraine received its first batch of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France, as French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced. The aircraft, operated by Ukrainian pilots trained in France, will bolster air defense and long-range strike capabilities using Scalp cruise missiles. France had committed to supplying 12 Mirage 2000s, with three aircraft included in this first delivery. These jets enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep behind enemy lines, complementing other Western military aid.
Ukrainian Exports to Germany Surge, Outpacing Russia
In 2024, Ukrainian exports to Germany grew by nearly 20%, significantly outpacing trade with Russia, according to the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. The growth reflects Ukraine’s deepening integration into the EU market and rising attractiveness for German investors, with 46% of surveyed companies considering investments. Meanwhile, Germany’s trade with Russia dropped by 25%, placing Russia 45th among Germany’s trade partners.
Ukraine’s Defense-Tech Sector Expands in "Diia.City"
The number of defense-tech companies in Ukraine’s "Diia.City" has grown from 20 to over 240 since 2022, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "Diia.City" is a special economic zone designed to boost Ukraine’s IT sector with preferential taxes, legal protections, and business incentives. The IT industry remains Ukraine’s largest service exporter, generating $6.4 billion in 2024. Other key areas include MedTech, EdTech, BioTech, and AI, focusing on bionic prosthetics, battlefield analytics, and cybersecurity. Plans are underway to expand "Diia.City" to scientific parks.
Ukraine to Build First High-Tech Glass Manufacturing Plant
Ukraine is set to build its first high-tech float glass manufacturing plant in the Kyiv region by 2028, with €240 million in planned investments from NovaSklo, a project by EFI Group. Supported by UkraineInvest and the Ministry of Economy, the plant will enhance industrial independence, create over 300 jobs, and boost local small and medium enterprises. The facility will use advanced German HORN equipment and benefit from state investment incentives, covering up to 30% of costs.
Ukrainian Startup Jetbeep Acquires Estonian Smart Locker Firm Parcelsea
Ukrainian startup Jetbeep has acquired Estonian company Parcelsea, a producer of smart parcel lockers for private homes and communities. The deal, which includes intellectual property, client contracts, and team integration, strengthens Jetbeep’s expansion in the EU and enhances its partnership with Omniva. Founded in 2017, Jetbeep specializes in autonomous locker technology, offering seamless hardware and software solutions for efficient last-mile delivery.