Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed the existence of ten drone manufacturing facilities established in various countries without the knowledge of the Ukrainian government. This revelation came during a video conference with journalists, where he emphasized the implications of these operations for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Zelensky noted that one company had sold a thousand interceptors to a foreign nation for $3.5 million, indicating a significant export activity that has raised concerns about the potential impact on Ukraine’s own defense strategies. He stated, “I know about ten factories that were built behind the back of the state in different corners of the world just to ensure that nothing is lost, God forbid. I believe they will lose.”
The President further explained that while Ukraine is capable of producing up to 2,000 interceptors daily, financial constraints limit current production to 1,000 units. He expressed that the company involved had raised concerns about losing export opportunities, but he countered that such actions are detrimental to Ukrainian exports.
Additionally, Zelensky mentioned that the country which purchased the interceptors approached Ukraine for assistance, as the devices lacked explosive components. He recounted a recent visit to another European nation where similar interceptors had been sold, also without explosive capabilities. When asked to send operators for these drones, he declined.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the company responsible for the $3.5 million sale had secured a contract worth €300 million from the Ukrainian government, describing the situation as “not serious.” This underscores the complexities surrounding Ukraine’s defense procurement and the challenges posed by undisclosed international dealings.
President Zelensky has revealed that ten covert drone manufacturing plants exist abroad, impacting Ukraine's defense exports. He criticized the implications of these operations for national security and highlighted financial constraints affecting production capabilities.