I'm ruling out drone export, it's too dangerous – Zelenskyy
Source: Zelenskyy in an interview on the national 24/7 newscast
Details: The president said Ukraine’s defence minister had already shown him potential export models for drones.
Quote: "I’ve already seen a couple of ideas, but I’m ruling out export – it’s very dangerous if we export to someone and they [the drones] get into the hands of the Russian Federation."
Zelenskyy also stated that potential exports can only be discussed among Ramstein partner countries (members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group) who have actively assisted Ukraine during the war.
However, there are complications here: even with some of the countries that are actually funding the development of drones in Ukraine, the question remains whether they really want these drones for their own arsenals.
"If Denmark gives [€]600 million for drone production in Ukraine, does it really want to take those drones?" Zelenskyy added.
At the same time, Zelenskyy said he has no objection to the Ministry of Defense developing a model for export. But he also expressed the view that countries that have not provided Ukraine with weapons during the war should not receive Ukrainian drones.
Background: Ukraine is exploring the possibility of attracting international investment in the defense industry and has not ruled out restarting domestic weapons exports.
Ukraine is considering attracting international investment in the defene industry and does not rule out resuming exports of domestic weapons.
Quote from Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov: "Some countries have already expressed a desire to buy Ukrainian missiles, drones and other weapons. We do not exclude this possibility, but the decision will be made collectively at the level of the country's leadership."
"Last year, when I took over as Defence Minister, we created a plan of our capabilities in the public and private sectors of the defence industry. The first step was taken by the state by investing in the defence industry. This year, we offered our partners several options for cooperation. These include joint ventures, long-term contracts for 10 years and financial instruments such as loans or export financing."
Details: Umierov said that Ukraine is currently negotiating with international partners on various projects, but the final decision will depend on the government.
Background:
- Ekonomichna Pravda published an article in August 2024 stating that a working group had been established to develop a mechanism for exporting military equipment from domestic Ukrainian factories. The rules should suit both business and the Ukrainian defence forces.
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