Ukraine approves state system to export weapons to allies

Ukraine's parliament approved a state mechanism to export Ukrainian weapons, aiming to raise funds during the fifth year of its war with Russia while keeping the Ukrainian army's own supply needs as a priority. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the system is transparent and will let partner countries purchase weapons and work directly with Ukrainian manufacturers.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is negotiating defence agreements with around 20 countries, offering its combat experience and especially its drone and anti‑drone technologies. Ukraine has sent drone experts to the Middle East and signed ten‑year cooperation deals with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and is discussing similar arrangements with Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Around 800 Ukrainian arms producers, many of which now have significant surplus capacity, are expected to benefit from the scheme. Ukraine currently manufactures over four million drones a year and could double output with sufficient funding, but any export will be conditioned on guaranteeing supplies for its own forces.