Ukraine must start a dialog with the United States on joint production of weapons and ammunition on its territory and it would be beneficial both for Ukraine and the United States, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly has said.

"I think that we need to speak not only about supplies. Today we need to seriously speak about joint production of weapons and ammunition… Ukraine not only restored its armed forces almost from the ground up, but it returned human potential to the plants having financing. They are trying to restore a defense and industrial potential… We need production on the territory of Ukraine. This is a good option [for the United States], as there are chances to enter third markets," Chaly said in an interview with Channel 5 TV on Monday.

Asked what type of production facilities they are, the ambassador recalled that after occupation of the eastern part of Ukraine militant removed ammunition production facilities from Ukraine.

"We need to produce ammunition somewhere, and the issue would be settled one way or another," he said.

Chaly said that this production could be also beneficial for the United States, as weapons production in Ukraine would give a chance to supply them to the markets of third countries.

"Production of lethal weapons in Ukraine is a strategy… If partners enter, they see you as the key country of the region," he said.

Chaly said that possible joint production does not mean that there is no need to supply non-lethal equipment to Ukraine.

He recalled that the United States foresaw $650 million to support Ukraine this year, including $335 million for defense and security.

The diplomat expressed hope that Ukraine will be more actively cooperate with U.S. partners in the future.