Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebuked Germany’s Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who dismissed Ukraine’s drone industry as amateurish. Zelenskyy countered, 'If every housewife in Ukraine can produce drones, then every housewife could be the CEO of Rheinmetall.' He emphasized Ukraine’s defense industry is innovative and effective.
Papperger's initial comments comparing Ukraine's tech to toys caused outrage. Rheinmetall later expressed respect for Ukraine’s defense sector without apologizing.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called Papperger’s remarks sexist, noting over 70,000 women serve in Ukraine's military, many in combat and tech roles.
Ukraine’s drone operators have achieved significant successes, including the destruction of thousands of Russian tanks and participation in strategic operations against Russia’s air bases.
Germany and Ukraine have established a joint venture to produce up to 10,000 drones annually, reflecting Kyiv’s effort to bolster arms manufacturing in Europe due to increasing demand for advanced unmanned systems.