High-ranking representatives of the British defense sector are discussing with their counterparts in Kiev the possibility of producing weapons in Ukraine, The Telegraph reported.

British weapons and military equipment could be produced in Ukraine as part of measures that would mean strengthening the country's relationship with NATO, the media notes.

According to The Telegraph, British executives went to Kyiv to set up joint ventures that would produce weapons and vehicles under license.

This comes after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak approved sending fighter jets to Ukraine at the request of President Vladimir Zelensky during his trip to Britain last week.

Any joint venture would likely require Sunak's approval, the media notes. 

Nevertheless, as the media notes, any production support is expected to further escalate tensions with Russia.

Other European defense firms are also reportedly in contact with Ukraine, and British firms are eager to avoid being eclipsed by their rivals in France and Germany. A senior source told The Telegraph that there is a race to put Britain at the top of the queue.

However, Downing Street and the U.K. Ministry of Defense declined to comment to The Telegraph, saying it was an industry issue.