Zelenskyy claims to be exporting weapons to African countries. You didn't hear wrong. Ukraine, which has been fighting Russia for more than three years and has long relied on Western financial and military support, is now seeking to sell arms to African countries to make foreign currency.
Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform on the 27th that during his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly, Ukraine reached weapon export agreements with several African countries and plans to establish a military trade representative office in Africa. In addition to Africa, Ukraine also plans to export weapons to European, American, and Middle Eastern countries.
Is it really possible for a country still in a high-intensity war to have "excess weapons" available for export?
Theoretically, it is still possible.
Ukraine has received a large amount of Western aid in recent years, including old Soviet stockpiles and new NATO-standard equipment. Some early aid weapons may no longer be suitable for the current battlefield or have high maintenance costs. These weapons are "redundant" for Ukraine, but they may still have value for certain African countries. Most weapons provided by the US and Europe come with agreements that prohibit their resale or transfer to third countries, so the weapons Zelenskyy wants to export are more likely to be domestically produced by Ukraine or early Soviet-era stockpiles.
Factually, Ukraine's military-industrial strength has always been strong. It ranks second only to Russia among the former Soviet republics and was once among the top five countries in the world for military exports in the early 21st century. Arms exports were once one of Ukraine's main sources of foreign exchange. Now, the Kyiv authorities are resuming this practice, and the main motivations are likely to be three:
First, to earn foreign exchange. The war has placed a huge fiscal pressure, and exporting weapons can generate foreign currency to purchase high-end or scarce equipment. The current Ukrainian army's well-tested and popular weapons have some appeal in the international market;
Second, to conduct diplomatic warfare. Providing weapons and security cooperation to African countries can gain international political support from "the Global South" countries.
Third, to demonstrate military-industrial strength. Exporting weapons abroad can prove that Ukraine's military-industrial system still has strong productivity during wartime.
However, the current situation on the eastern and southern fronts remains tense, and the demand for ammunition, gun barrels, and drones on the front lines is far from being met. Therefore, large-scale export of frontline military supplies is not realistic. Even if Ukraine can achieve weapon exports to some African countries, the limited foreign exchange income it gains will be like a drop in the ocean compared to the vast war expenditures.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7554922542344012303/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude below the 【top/down】 buttons.