President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of the process to develop a system for exporting Ukrainian weapons. He presented this initiative during his speech at the Defense Industries Forum, which took place on October 6 in Kyiv.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Defense Sector Development Strategy
According to the head of state, Ukraine is actively developing cooperation with key international partners in the field of defense production. Joint enterprises are already being established, which will operate both within Ukraine and abroad. Zelensky emphasized that the integration of the Ukrainian defense sector is an important step towards deepening cooperation with Western countries.
“The time has come to launch the export of our Ukrainian weapons – those types of weapons that we have in surplus, and therefore can be exported, to provide funding for those types of weapons that are especially needed today here in Ukraine for defense. I have already instructed the government, the Office, our entire team, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to develop and present the key elements of such an export system,” the president stated.
Plans for International Cooperation and Export
The president reported that the working title of the large-scale program is “Weapons.” Ukraine has already reached agreements to open export-import platforms in Europe, the USA, and the Middle East. Zelensky identified the launch of these platforms as a priority task by the end of the year.
The head of state emphasized that the opening of arms exports, the creation of new joint enterprises, and attracting investments will significantly enhance the production capabilities of the defense industry. The president stressed that Ukrainians are not an aggressive people, but are capable of effectively defending their own state. The courage and potential of the nation, in his opinion, will ensure the necessary results for strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
Back in September, Zelensky reported plans to export surplus types of weapons to obtain additional financial resources, which would be directed towards the procurement of scarce equipment. During his speech at the UN General Assembly on September 24, the president noted that the export would involve demonstrating to partners systems that have already proven their effectiveness in combat conditions.
Also, at the beginning of September, Zelensky stated that nearly 60% of the armaments used by the Ukrainian military are produced in Ukraine.