Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will allow the export of domestically produced weapons and military equipment, a move aimed at bolstering the state treasury
and leveraging technological innovations developed during the war against Russia. Kyiv desperately needs financial resources to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Zelensky stated that the nearly four-year-long war has contributed to the flourishing of Ukraine’s defense sector.
This sector comprises more than a thousand arms and military equipment manufacturers, most of which are small companies established after the Russian invasion in 2002.
He explained that these companies are working on developing new weapons systems to keep pace with developments on the ground.
However, the government has been unable to finance all of these projects. Consequently, these circumstances have led Kyiv to seek funding from its international allies.
Ukrainian drone production
The Ukrainian president added that Ukraine will open ten arms export centers across Europe during 2026. He indicated that combat drones will be included in the list of exports.
He also emphasized that Europe’s security today depends heavily on Ukrainian technology, drones, and expertise.
Zelensky noted that the production of Ukrainian drones will also begin in Germany this February. This is in addition to the production already underway in Britain as part of a joint initiative, the participating companies of which were not disclosed.
Ukraine allocated 775 billion hryvnia (approximately $18 billion) in its 2025 budget for domestic drone production. This amount was increased after receiving financial support from allies.
This move allows Ukrainian companies to overcome previous government restrictions that limited their ability to export their products.
It represents an opportunity to strengthen the national defense sector and generate additional revenue to support the country’s military efforts. These developments come amidst escalating conflict with Russia.
