Ukraine to partially reopen arms exports: Zelenskyy reveals timeline and conditions
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that a concept for the partial export of weapons will be ready in 10 days.
According to the president, Ukraine currently has weapons and capabilities, but lacks funding. He stressed that due to the constant shortage, he does not want to reduce production capacity.
“During the war, no one wants to take risks, but we need money to produce certain types of weapons that are very much needed, such as drones for the front. Therefore, I think that in about 10 days we will have a concept for exports,” Zelenskyy said.
The president gave an example of how arms exports will work and why they are needed.
“Ukraine can produce many more naval drones than we need for our own purposes. This means that either we reduce production capacity, or we allow the sale of the quantity that we can produce,” the president said.
It will allow to obtain funds for the drones that are currently in short supply on the battlefield.
“We have some high-quality weapons, we have surplus and the capacity to produce more. It would be foolish to spend money on this when we have a shortage. But we don't want to reduce production,” the president emphasized.
Yesterday, Zelenskyy announced plans to export weapons. Exports are planned in three directions: the US, Europe, and other countries.
Exports will include both private and state deliveries, with strict control over the balance between what is shipped, what remains in warehouses, and what is increased.
The head of state emphasized that exports will be managed, taking into account Ukraine's production capabilities and the needs of the front.
Ukraine is betting on drones
During the full-scale war, Ukrainian weapons production has increased 35-fold, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
According to the President of Ukraine, almost 60% of the Armed Forces' supplies are currently Ukrainian weapons.
Ukrainian developers have produced unique Magura naval drones, which are used by soldiers of the Defense Intelligence. These drones are destroying the Russian fleet and other enemy targets at sea.
On July 3, Ukraine and the American company Swift Beat signed a memorandum on expanding the production of drones. Under this agreement, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive drones needed to destroy missiles.
The Ukrainian company Frontline has also signed a strategic agreement with the German-Ukrainian drone manufacturer Quantum Systems.
