Zelenskyy mentioned 10 military factories around the world that were built “behind the government’s back”
29 March 05:17
Ten Ukrainian factories producing interceptor drones were built “behind the state’s back” in various parts of the world. In this way, they sought to circumvent the arms export ban. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during a conversation with journalists, according to "Komersant Ukrainian", citing LIGA.net.
“I know of about 10 factories that were built behind the state’s back in various parts of the world, just so that—God forbid—nothing would be lost. I believe they will lose,” Zelenskyy said.
This refers to the ban on the export of Ukrainian weapons, which took effect after the start of the full-scale war.
After the war began in Iran, some Ukrainian manufacturers of interceptor drones began claiming that they were losing the Middle Eastern market due to the export ban.
On March 17, one of the Ukrainian manufacturers of Wild Hornet interceptor drones stated that it is ready to supply products to the Middle East if requested by the government.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian manufacturers are not losing opportunities in the Persian Gulf.
He cited the example of a well-known Ukrainian company that sold 1,000 interceptors to one country for $3.5 million, while the government contract with that company was worth 300 million euros.
“Is that a lot of money for the company? It had only received its first contract from us for 300 million euros. That was a government contract. And now this company is happy to have sold 3.5 million worth. It doesn’t sound serious,” Zelenskyy added.
Zelensky emphasized that combat components and operator training remain with the military, and companies cannot dispose of them on their own.
“Now this country has turned to us because they don’t have the combat components there. The combat components—the explosives—are with our military. It won’t work for a company to just sell drones. They think they’re the smartest, and then they turn to our military: ‘Give us explosives for a thousand drones,’” the president said.
Zelenskyy cited the example of another European country that purchased Ukrainian interceptor drones from a private company, also without the explosive payload.
“They were also sold some interceptors. Again, without explosives. And they ask me: can we send more operators? I say: no,” the president said.
He noted the strategic 10-year contracts with several Middle Eastern countries worth billions, which will allow Ukrainian exporters to earn revenue while maintaining control over the country’s defense capabilities.
