KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy outlined Ukraine’s strategy to ramp up drone exports and deepen technology partnerships during a meeting with leading U.S. corporate executives on Thursday. The move comes as Ukraine seeks to diversify its war-economic base and open new markets for its advanced defense technologies. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s arms production,including drones, has been primarily reserved for national defense efforts.
Zelenskiy emphasized the country’s robust drone manufacturing sector and over 300 technology companies, calling drone technology “a new direction for our business and economy.”“This year, we will begin exporting our new technologies only to countries we can trust,” Zelenskiy said. The president met with executives from major companies such as Amazon, Bank of America, GE Vernova, JPMorgan Chase, Westinghouse, and others, many of which already have investments or operations in Ukraine.
Ukraine has dramatically increased drone production, with millions of drones tested on the battlefield. Zelenskiy announced plans to establish export platforms across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Kyiv’s government is simultaneously promoting investment in new sectors and leveraging international partnerships to rebuild the war-damaged economy. Recently, Ukraine and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation launched a $150 million joint fund to support Ukraine’s mineral sector, aligned with agreements made earlier this year.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is also scheduled to visit the U.S. later this month for further discussions with American businesses to foster trade and investment.Ukraine aims to be a significant global player in drone technology exports, ensuring that resources from international sales support ongoing national defense needs while expanding its economic footprint.