President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an expanded meeting on Ukrainian arms exports and announced the launch of a new model of international cooperation in the defence industry.
He shared the information on his social media accounts.
Details
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is effectively starting exports of its own weapons, which have already proven their effectiveness in modern warfare conditions.
The initiative introduces a special cooperation framework with partners called “Drone Deals.” It includes joint production and supply of Ukrainian drones, missiles, ammunition, combat vehicles, and software, as well as integration with allied defence systems and technology exchange.
According to the president, the government has already agreed on interagency mechanisms. These mechanisms simplify bureaucratic procedures and introduce automatic export approvals, while maintaining export control.
At the same time, Ukraine will prioritise its own Armed Forces, which will receive weapons first. Only surplus production will be allocated for export.
Zelenskyy also said that in some weapons categories, Ukraine’s production surplus reaches around 50%. He attributed this to state investment and cooperation with partners.
He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with intelligence services and the Security Service of Ukraine, to prepare a list of countries. These countries will be excluded from arms exports. These countries cooperate with Russia.
The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff will define the actual needs of Ukraine’s defence forces. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also ordered the government and the National Security and Defence Council to publicly explain the principles of the new export model.
Context
Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said Ukraine is ready to export weapons, but only after fully meeting its own defence needs.
He also warned that Russia is trying to expand its military presence along Ukraine’s borders, including from Belarus, while continuing pressure on the front line and relying on energy revenues that sanctions could restrict.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Japan plans to ease post–World War II restrictions on arms exports for the first time.
