In a continued show of western solidarity, Ukraine has hosted the defence ministers of the UK and France, as well as the NATO chief in surprise visits this week.
The trips came as Ukrainian officials prepare to meet representatives from more than 160 defence companies from 26 countries in an effort to expand the country’s arms industry. Ukrainian leaders claim an expansion to its military hardware industry would be a much-needed boost for its economic development, as well as reducing its dependence on western military aid.