Government approves Ukrainian arms exports: Fedorov outlines next steps

The Ukrainian government has established clear guidelines for selling weapons and technologies to partner nations. Developed under a presidential directive, the new rules aim to help domestic manufacturers attract foreign investment and scale up production, while ensuring that supplying the Ukrainian military remains the state’s absolute priority.

The announcement was made by Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov.

According to Fedorov, the decision establishes a transparent framework for the state, manufacturers, and international partners. The regulations will apply to defense tech and weaponry contracts valued at UAH 15 million or more.

«Ukrainian defense tech has already proven its effectiveness on the battlefield. Our task is to create conditions where Ukrainian manufacturers can scale production, enter new markets, and attract international investment without compromising the priority of supplying the Defense Forces,» Fedorov noted.

Under the approved framework, partner countries within the Drone Deal initiative that have signed intergovernmental agreements with Kyiv will be allowed to purchase Ukrainian weapons and work directly with manufacturers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will maintain the list of eligible nations, while the Ministry of Defense will compile a list of critical goods barred from export. Manufacturers' export applications are promised a transparent review process completed within 30 days.

The minister assured that Ukrainian developments will remain under state protection. Intellectual property rights will not be transferred, and the re-export of Ukrainian weaponry to third countries will require explicit written consent from Ukraine. Furthermore, if international partners sell equipment manufactured using Ukrainian technologies, 20% of the product’s value will be funneled back into the Ukrainian state budget. Meanwhile, fully meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains the government’s core priority.

Exports will only be permitted if the needs of the Ukrainian military are guaranteed to be covered. If the state requires specific equipment or weaponry, an export permit may be denied. However, defense firms will be allowed to ship products abroad if they demonstrate the capacity to fulfill both state defense contracts and international orders simultaneously.

«Opening up exports is another step toward developing the Ukrainian defense industry and strengthening the economy. The stronger Ukrainian manufacturers become, the more advanced technologies our Defense Forces receive,» the official concluded.