1 that Ukraine would remain one of his top priorities amid Russia's ongoing war. Speaking at a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Rutte reiterated that Ukraine's path towards NATO is "irreversible.""Now we are focused on getting Ukraine invited to join the alliance. This is a very important step. It is difficult to achieve. We are focused on this result. We will do everything to get it," Zelensky said.Following their meeting in Kyiv, Zelensky said that he and the new NATO secretary general discussed the implementations of "the decisions of the Alliance's Washington summit." The Ukrainian president also talked to Rutte about the possibility of jointly intercepting Russian drones and missiles."Jointly intercepting Iranian missiles is no different from jointly intercepting Russian missiles, and especially 'Shaheds,' which link the Russian and Iranian regimes," Zelensky said in the wake of fresh Iranian missile attacks against Israel.The Western partners have thus far refused to help Ukraine in shooting down drones and missiles over its territory, fearing this could be seen as a direct involvement in the war.Ukraine boosts defense production, successfully tests ballistic missile, Zelensky says“In the first half of this year alone, Ukraine produced 25 times more artillery and mortar ammunition than in the entire year of 2022,” Zelensky said at the second international defense industry forum in Kyiv.The Kyiv IndependentAbbey FenbertThe president also said that "Ukraine needs to strengthen its positions on the front line so that we can increase pressure on Russia for the sake of fair, real diplomacy.

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