Volodymyr Zelenskiy Ukraines President‚ has asked the defence ministry to look into possible weapons exports a move that could mark a big change in the countrys wartime policies. Speaking on Ukrainian TV‚ he said‚ “Ive asked the defence minister to think about what could be potential models“ The President made it clear that exports would only go to Ukraines allies in the Ramstein group which helps coordinate military support for Kyiv
Since Russia invaded in 02/2022‚ Ukraine has really stepped up its weapon production. Theyʼve put a lot of effort into making drones and other weapons. Officials say the country made three times more weapons last year‚ and then doubled that amount in just the first eight months of this year
But the countrys weapon makers are short on cash. Theyʼve been asking the government to let them sell weapons to other countries so they can make more money and increase production. The National Association of Ukrainian Defence Industries says the country can make $20 billion worth of weapons and ammo each year‚ but the government can only spend $6 billion
Zelenskiy also pointed out “Those who didnt help us with the weapons‚ I think we dont have a right to export there“ This shows Ukraine is being careful about who it might sell weapons to — only countries that have supported them during the war
This possible change comes as Ukraine keeps defending itself against a much bigger enemy. If it happens it could help the countrys weapon makers get more money and make even more weapons. But its still just an idea for now‚ and weʼll have to wait and see what the defence ministry comes up with