Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans for controlled exports of weapon systems that Ukraine has in surplus, with proceeds to be funneled into producing scarce capabilities. He said Kyiv has already reached preliminary understandings for four export destinations - the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
In his evening address, Zelensky said he convened a meeting with long-range weapons manufacturers, the Defense Ministry, security services, and leading drone and missile producers. Participants reviewed production volumes and offered differing assessments of actual industrial capacity, he noted. As a result, government agencies and manufacturers will coordinate orders and financing so each company can fulfill its contracts. Ukrainian funding and international partners are already directing resources to support producers, especially drone makers.
Zelensky stressed the exports would be tightly controlled and limited to systems that fully meet the Armed Forcesโ needs; revenue would be used to scale production of deficit categories and replenish stockpiles. As part of the agreement framework, four priority export vectors โ the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa โ have been identified, and the corresponding arrangements are being worked through.
Zelensky has previously outlined plans for controlled exports of weapon types that Ukraine has in abundance. Proceeds are to be directed toward ramping up production of top-priority systems, notably strike and reconnaissance drones.
Exports will proceed under strict oversight and a clear sequence of priorities: first, equipping brigades on the front; second, replenishing national arsenals; and only third, sales abroad. Among the surplus categories Zelensky cited are naval drones and certain anti-tank systems that can be exported without harming Ukraineโs defense. He also previously announced the creation of three export platforms for cooperation with the U.S., European partners and other interested countries; all deals will be carefully vetted and concluded only with those who genuinely support Ukraineโs independence.
