Ukraine to sell weapons to other nations: Zelenskyy reveals export plans

Ukraine is preparing to launch exports of weaponry produced by its domestic defense-industrial complex.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the move following an expanded meeting on key issues of defense exports. According to the president, the relevant decisions have already been coordinated at the state level, and the initiative will become part of a new model for international defense cooperation.

«Exports of Ukrainian weapons will become a reality. We have agreed on all details at the level of our state institutions,» Zelenskyy said.

He noted that Ukrainian weaponry, tested in modern warfare, has drawn significant interest from partners. «Our security expertise and weapons proven in modern war are of interest to all partners capable of ensuring a real level of protection for their national statehood and people’s lives,» the president stated.

Drone Deals framework

A key element of the new cooperation model is the Drone Deals format—special interstate agreements for the production and supply of Ukrainian drones, missiles, ammunition, and other defense products. This also includes integration with partners' defense systems and technology exchange.

«We have offered the partners who help Ukraine a special cooperation format called Drone Deals,» the head of state said.

According to Zelenskyy, the directions for interstate interaction and mechanisms to simplify exports for businesses, including the automation of licensing procedures, have already been approved.

Conditions for arms exports

Ukraine maintains that domestic military needs remain the priority.

«Ukrainian companies will have a real opportunity to enter the markets of partner countries, provided our military retains the right to take the required volume of weapons first,» the president stressed.

He also reported that the surplus of production capacity in certain defense sectors has reached approximately 50%.

Additionally, a directive has been issued to define a list of countries where Ukrainian arms exports will be restricted due to their cooperation with Russia. «It is a serious challenge—to prevent our technologies and weapon samples from falling into Russian hands,» Zelenskyy noted.

Who will oversee coordination and supply for Ukraine’s Defense Forces

The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) will coordinate export processes and guarantee the priority fulfillment of the Ukrainian Defense Forces' needs. The Ministry of Defense and the General Staff will determine the volume of domestic requirements.

The government and the NSDC are expected to present the details of the new export model to the public in the near future.