Zelenski is preparing to resume strategic exports, but “only to those countries we can rely” / Kiev wants partnerships with American giants.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, during a visit to a drone factory, on November 19, 2024, in Kiev, in Ukraine. Photo: Ukraine Presidency / Ukrainian pre / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
President Volodimir Zelenski presented Ukraine's plans to increase drone exports and to expand technological partnerships, during a meeting with top representatives of large American companies, his office announced on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Ukraine's weapons exports were restricted after the Russian invasion of February 2022, the entire production being directed to the national defense effort.
“Our country has a strong drone production industry and over 300 companies in the field of technology. I think this is a new direction for our business and economy,” Zelenski said in a statement.
“I think this year we will open the exports of new technologies only to those countries we can rely,” he added.
According to his office, Zelenski met with representatives of companies such as Amazon, Bank of America, Chemours, CRH, Fairfax, Gearova, Hogan Lovells, Jacobs, JPMORGAN Chase, Lazard, Logistics Plus, Marsh Mclennan, Techmet and Westinghouse.
Some of these companies already have activities or investments in Ukraine. Zelenski said that Kiev is ready to open new sectors for partnerships and investments.
Ukraine's drone production has exploded
Ukraine's domestic armament production, especially drone, has grown massively during the war, hundreds of companies making millions of drones tested directly on the battlefield.
Zelenski said Ukraine intends to create export platforms in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
While the government is looking for ways to support a devastated war economy, Kiev wants to strengthen its links with the US and has tried to attract American companies through investment opportunities.
Earlier this month, Ukraine and US International Development Financial Corporation launched a common fund, with an investment of $ 150 million, part of the Mineral Agreement signed for the first time in April.
Ukrainian officials said that Prime Minister Iulia Sviridenko plans to visit the United States at the end of the month for more detailed discussions with the American business environment.
