THIS WEEK IN UKRAINE
6 February 2025
Key Diplomatic Discussions Zelensky Had This Week
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With Australian PM Anthony Albanese: Discussed military aid, sanctions on Russia’s shadow tanker fleet, and coordinated strategies with the U.S. and allies.
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With IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi: Addressed energy security, expanding IAEA missions, and Ukraine’s nuclear energy development.
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With UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy: Focused on security guarantees, financial aid, and stronger sanctions, including utilizing frozen Russian assets.
UK-Based 1991 Ventures Raises £15M to Support Ukrainian Startups
1991 Ventures, a London-based venture fund founded by Ukrainians Denys and Viktor Hurskyi, has secured a £15 million investment from Allocator One. The fund focuses on supporting startups in Ukraine and Central-Eastern Europe, driving innovation and growth. Recent investments include LetsData, an AI-driven disinformation detection startup, and Deus Robotics, which raised $3 million. The fund continues to play a key role in bridging emerging markets with global capital.
Ukraine Launches "Claster4Defence" to Boost Military Innovation
Ukraine has launched "Claster4Defence", a defense innovation alliance uniting 40 industry clusters, including 10 specializing in dual-use technology. The initiative, hosted at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, connects military leaders, businesses, and EU/NATO representatives to enhance robotics, automation, and IT solutions for defense. The program aims to replace foreign components, expand production, and access new markets. Ukrainian and Western partners pledged support, reinforcing efforts to modernize the Armed Forces through projects like Army+, Iron Polygon, MedEvac, and On the Line.
Ukraine Confirms Battlefield Use of "Trident" Laser Weapon
Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, confirmed the active use of the "Trident" laser weapon on the battlefield. Developed in Ukraine, this directed-energy system reportedly targets enemy drones and aircraft at altitudes exceeding 2 km (1.25 miles). If successful, the technology could reduce reliance on costly anti-aircraft missiles, making air defense more efficient and cost-effective. Ukraine is now among the few nations deploying operational laser weaponry in modern warfare.
Ukraine and Czechia to Jointly Produce Rifles
Ukraine and Czechia are expanding their defense cooperation with a joint rifle production project, as announced by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The initiative, part of the Danish financing model, will see some rifles produced in Czechia, while negotiations continue to localize production in Ukraine. The meeting with Czech defense companies and AMOS (Czech Defense Cooperation Agency) also covered large-caliber ammunition supplies, technology exchange, and industrial collaboration to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
BlackRock and Ukraine to Attract Investment for Reconstruction
Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BlackRock, the world's largest investment company, to develop a platform for attracting private capital into Ukraine’s post-war recovery. BlackRock’s Financial Markets Advisory (FMA) will advise on structuring the platform and mobilizing investments in key economic sectors. This initiative builds on discussions between President Zelensky and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to attracting foreign investments despite ongoing war challenges.