The president stated it would be “very dangerous” to sell drones to countries which maintain a pointed neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian war, as the equipment could then find its way to Russia.
“I asked the Minister of Defense [Rustem Umerov] to consider what [export] models might be possible,” said Zelenskyy.
“But I exclude, for example, restricted exports, as it is very dangerous—if we export them to someone and then they end up in Russia.”
He added that Ukrainian drones could only be considered for export to countries that are part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group coalition and are aiding Ukraine.
“With all due respect to Middle Eastern countries and others, those who haven't helped us with weapons, I don't believe we have the right to export to them.”
On Oct. 18, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that the ban on exporting Ukrainian-made weapons might soon be lifted.