President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to allow arms exports, provided it first meets frontline needs. He also addressed defense industry development, relations with the EU, and potential threats from Russia.
He made the remarks in an interview for the national TV marathon “Yedyni Novyny”.
Arms exports: priority for the front and partners
Zelenskyy said Ukraine can export weapons only after supplying its own forces:
“I am open to this formula: export everything to our front first, and after that – to any partner country.”
He stressed that priority should go to countries that provide the most support to Ukraine:
“The priority is countries that are the biggest donors, those that constantly support us during the war with money, missiles, and political backing.”
Role of partners in defense development
The president noted that many Ukrainian defense achievements rely on international support:
“Much of what we achieved with naval drones came not only from our defense sector but also from partner assistance.”
He named the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Netherlands among key contributors, particularly in naval drone technologies.
He also highlighted funding levels:
“We invest $30 billion in our defense today, while our industry says it is ready to produce at a $60 billion scale.”
Defense industry and economy: focus on “Made in Ukraine”
Zelenskyy said around 200 defense companies operate in Ukraine, with 30 among the global leaders. They produce drones, artillery, armored vehicles, and demining systems.
He stressed that defense should become a core part of the economy:
“We must understand that Ukraine’s future economy is not only agriculture. Made in Ukraine is now a high-value brand.”
EU and new alliances: vision for security
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s goal to join the European Union:
“We want to be in the EU. And I am confident that if some EU representatives avoid mistakes, we will get there.”
He also proposed a broader security framework involving Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Türkiye:
“These are four countries the European Union is missing.”
Russia: risks of mobilization and new offensives
Zelenskyy said Russia’s restrictions on social media reflect fears of internal unrest, particularly over a possible large-scale mobilization. He noted that current recruitment relies on contracts, but that is not enough for a major troop increase:
“To add one to one and a half million personnel… they need mobilization.”
He said Russia may either prepare a large offensive or continue limited operations.
Russia’s economy and global risks
Zelenskyy also pointed to Russia’s economic challenges:
“A $100 billion budget deficit cannot be covered by a short war.”
He added that conflicts in the Middle East could affect global security and Ukraine:
“A war in Iran… will limit Ukraine’s access to air defense.”
Context
Zelenskyy has previously said Russia seeks to expand its military presence along Ukraine’s borders, including from Belarus, while continuing pressure on the front and relying on energy revenues that sanctions could restrict.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned about a critical shortage of Patriot air defense missiles amid global security tensions.
