Ukraine is set to present the first draft of its arms exports policy “in 10 days,” President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Friday.
The exports will be “partial,” limited to products produced in surplus.
Exports will include both private and government supplies, with strict control over what is shipped, stored, and added to inventories.
Zelensky said a concept for partial arms exports will be introduced in 10 days, according to a report by RBC-Ukraine on Friday, Sept. 19.
Thus, the draft is likely to be presented on Sept. 29.
Zelensky acknowledged that Ukrainian manufacturers lack the funding to produce the additional drones needed for frontline needs.
“During a war, no one wants to take risks, but we need money to produce certain very necessary types of weapons, like drones for the front. So, I think so: In about 10 days, we will have a concept for exports,” Zelensky told reporters.
“Ukraine can produce much more naval drones than our own needs. This suggests that either we are reducing production capabilities, or we are providing the opportunity to sell exactly the quantity that we can,” he added.
Exports of surplus equipment will allow Ukraine to obtain funds for drones, which are currently in short supply on the battlefield.
“We have some high-quality weapons, there is a surplus and the ability to produce them. It is unreasonable to give money for this when we have a deficit. But we do not want to reduce production,” Zelensky said.
Previously, Zelensky announced plans for exports through three directions: the US, Europe and other countries.
According to RBC-Ukraine, Zelensky believes Ukraine can export naval drones and anti-tank weapons.
“Within two weeks, a concept will be presented – three new export platforms. The first platform is for exports and interaction with the US, the second platform is our European partners, the third direction is other partners in the world who are also interested in Ukrainian weapons and from whom Ukraine has received one or another support,” he said.
Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s trade representative and then-deputy economy minister, told Kyiv Post in May 2025 that the decision to green-light Ukraine’s arms exports rests with the military top brass
Kachka said the Ministry of Economy supports local industry’s desire to export but emphasized that the final decision rests with the National Security and Defense Council and the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
“Everyone acknowledges very well that Ukraine’s [arms] industry requests to open exports… The request exists, but how to do it, when it is the most convenient [to lift the ban on arms exports], how to avoid jeopardizing frontline arms procurements is a complicated issue,” Kachka told Kyiv Post.