Zelensky Says Ukrainian Companies Built Interceptor Drone Plants Abroad “Behind the State’s Back”

Ukrainian companies have started building 10 factories to produce interceptor drones “behind the state’s back” in different parts of the world.

The Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported this, citing a statement by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a video conference with journalists.

“I know that somewhere — I will be honest — about 10 factories have been built behind the state’s back in different parts of the world so they would not, God forbid, lose anything. I believe they will lose,” he said.

“Dollars, so it is clear which country and where these interceptors ended up. This is not a problem. We could simply provide these interceptors to this partner. In principle, we can produce 2,000 today, but we have funding for 1,000. Therefore, this is not a problem,” he said.

The president also said one company had already exported 1,000 interceptors to a foreign country for $3.5 million.

According to the President, the company that has already sold drones holds a state contract worth €300 million. Zelensky said the state should control arms exports so that priority is given to the Defense Forces of Ukraine before other countries.

He added that the country that purchased the interceptors later asked Ukraine for assistance because it lacks a combat unit. He said this was not an isolated case and that interceptors had also been sold to European countries.

“I was also in another European country. I was there recently on an official visit. They were also sold some interceptors. Again, without explosives. And they ask me, can we send more operators? I say no,” Zelensky said.

The President also noted Ukraine already has 10-year strategic contracts with three Middle Eastern countries worth billions of dollars, guaranteeing stable exports and revenue for Ukrainian manufacturers.