Photo: EPA
Ukraine has proposed a new cooperation framework called Drone Deals to its international partners, while finalizing all institutional procedures required to launch arms exports. This was announced by Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a high-level meeting on the issue.
According to the president, exporting Ukrainian weapons is now becoming a practical reality. He emphasized that Ukraine’s combat-tested defense technologies and battlefield experience have made its military products highly attractive to partner countries seeking to strengthen their national security.
Under the Drone Deals initiative, Ukraine offers partner states tailored agreements covering the joint production and supply of drones, missiles, ammunition, and other weapon systems, along with the transfer of operational expertise.
Zelenskyy outlined a structured export mechanism: first, governments will define the framework of cooperation through bilateral agreements based on reciprocity; then, implementation will move to the level of state institutions and private manufacturers. At the same time, businesses are expected to benefit from streamlined, potentially automated export licensing procedures.
He stressed that Ukrainian defense needs will remain the top priority. Domestic companies will be allowed to enter foreign markets only after the Armed Forces receive the required volume of weapons.
The president also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, intelligence agencies, and the Security Service to compile a list of countries where arms exports will be prohibited due to their ties with the aggressor state.
Coordination of the entire process will be handled by the National Security and Defense Council, ensuring that only surplus production—beyond domestic defense orders—is exported. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff will define the military’s requirements.
Officials are expected to present further details of the export framework to the public. Ukraine also plans to establish up to ten arms export hubs across Europe in 2026.
