Zelensky Criticizes Ukrainian Defense Companies Opening Production Lines Abroad

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently expressed his concern regarding the actions of certain Ukrainian defense companies that are establishing production lines overseas during a conversation with journalists. This information was reported by Ukrinform.

Zelensky recounted a conversation with a leader from a Middle Eastern country who informed him about a company planning to purchase Ukrainian interceptors but had not yet made a payment. The President noted that this leader was surprised because the company manufacturing these interceptors is registered in Spain, despite being Ukrainian. He provided an example of how the head of this company had recently been in Ukraine, offering their products to various government institutions and inquiring whether Ukraine would train them. Zelensky responded, saying, "No, we will not train you or anyone else if our state has not received payment for it."

The President emphasized that the logic of exporting during wartime lies in obtaining funds that can then be used to order the necessary weapons for the front lines. He pointed out that some private companies are attempting to sell their products without state coordination, which he deemed unacceptable. "This is not just their profit. For these drones to work, our military has tested them, fought with them, enhanced them, and brought them to fruition. This is not just business," Zelensky stressed.

Moreover, he noted that the state must determine what export can look like in order to strengthen the country's defense. Zelensky also highlighted the importance of a systematic approach in Ukraine's air defense, where drones, integration with other air defense elements, software, and experienced personnel must operate as a unified system. "Representatives from different countries, not just at the leadership level but at the enterprise level, come to Ukraine and buy something... And then it doesn't work as needed because a systematic approach is required – the drones themselves, plus the expertise of our specialists, plus software and many other things," the head of state summarized.

Reflecting on his recent tour of the Middle East, Zelensky expressed his intention to conclude 10 defense cooperation agreements lasting a minimum of 10 years. "As of now, I want at least 10 contracts of at least 10 years – this is billions in the development of our defense industry. A significant investment in our state. I will do this. Of course. If at the same time, 50 uncoordinated factories open abroad, it will be difficult. But this is a dead end for those who open them that way. States still come to states for cooperation," he concluded.

It is worth noting that on March 28, during a Zoom conference with journalists, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern about 10 interceptor production plants being built without the state's knowledge in various parts of the world. The President emphasized that such actions by these companies harm Ukrainian arms exports, citing an example where one country that purchased interceptors reached out to Ukraine due to the absence of a combat component.

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