This month, there were reports that Ukraine was considering seeking arms deals with both Mexico and Turkey. In an email interview, Taras Kuzio, a fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an expert in Ukrainian security and politics, explained the recent history and current state of Ukraine’s arms industry.
WPR: Who are the main buyers of Ukrainian arms, and in which categories of arms?
Taras Kuzio: Developing countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, countries in the Middle East and former Soviet client states are the main buyers of Ukrainian arms. The main products are light weaponry, updated Soviet-era helicopters, armored personnel carriers, tanks (especially for Pakistan) and artillery, as well as repair and technical maintenance of old Soviet military equipment.