Zelensky: AFU will have priority access to sufficient weapons despite exports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement in an evening video address, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
He stated that there is a solution to ensure that the Ukrainian state and Ukraine’s defense sector have sufficient financial resources.
“[This], in part, is due to the fact that Ukraine possesses immense security expertise and strong capabilities to manufacture weapons. We currently have production sectors with a 50% surplus in manufacturing capacity. The export of Ukrainian weapons will be a reality. The Ukrainian military will always have the right of first and sufficient volume: the military will take what is needed, and anything beyond that volume will be exported,” Zelensky noted.
He explained that the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, based on intergovernmental agreements with partners, will determine the framework for cooperation—simply to ensure that Ukrainian technology and Ukrainian weapons do not fall into Russian hands.
He emphasized that government officials, together with the National Security and Defense Council and Ukrainian special services, are ready to simplify bureaucratic procedures and working conditions in Ukraine while maintaining necessary export controls.
“We also need automatic export permits under this system so that the time it takes to obtain a permit is clear and does not create opportunities for corruption,” the President stated.
Separately, Zelensky announced that a special format for working with partners assisting Ukraine—Drone Deals—is already in place with several countries: the Middle East, the Gulf, Europe, and the Caucasus (a proposal is also on the table with American partners).
“And this is about drones, about defense systems, and our other types of weapons that are needed to build real protection in the air, on land, and at sea. Once again: the terms must be favorable to Ukraine, there must be clear oversight, and the proceeds from exports must help Ukraine defend itself. That is how it will be,” the Head of State believes.
As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that details regarding arms exports have been agreed upon at the level of state institutions in Ukraine.
Photo: Office of the President
