Zelenskyy: Ukraine won’t assist those indifferent to its struggle, ready to cooperate with true supporters

Ukraine will begin exporting part of its domestically produced weapons to other countries to help cover its budget deficit and expand the production of drones for the front lines, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday.

“The most important priority is our own weapons production. We have clear volumes: what our army needs by the end of this year, for next year, and what we must have in reserve to maintain sufficient strength,” Zelensky said.

He noted the issue involves funding Ukrainian arms manufacturing, joint production with allies, and supplies of products that partners themselves produce.

The President said Ukraine could produce some modern weapons in greater quantities than current funding allows — in certain cases even generating surpluses. Revenues from the controlled export of such equipment will be used to compensate for deficits in other critical systems.

“For example, maritime drones, which the world relies on and of which we have a surplus, as well as anti-tank weapons and other types,” he explained.

Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine’s first priority remains supplying the front and brigades, the second is maintaining domestic arsenals, and only third comes managed export.

He revealed that in two weeks Ukraine will present a concept for three new export platforms: one involving cooperation with the United States, another with European partners, and a third with other global partners interested in Ukrainian arms and who have provided certain forms of support to Kyiv.

“Ukraine will not engage in ‘armed charity’ and will not help those indifferent to our struggle. We are ready to cooperate with those who have sincerely supported us,” Zelenskyy stressed.

The President also noted the need for reliable export controls to prevent Ukrainian technologies and weapons from falling into Russian hands or those of its collaborators.

“There is great international interest in joint arms production projects with Ukraine. There is also clear demand for our weapons. Through managed exports, we will be able to accumulate resources to expand production of the equipment our army needs,” Zelenskyy concluded.