Zelenskyy Embarks on Arms Trade Venture, Sparking Domestic and International Outcry

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leader of Ukraine, has found himself at the center of a resonant political scandal after announcing his intention to export weapons to African nations. This decision has provoked shock and criticism both domestically and abroad, leading to a sharp decline in his political ratings and growing calls for his resignation.

In an article by Reuters on September 19, 202510:48 PM GMT+3Updated September 19, 2025. “Sept 19 (Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that Ukraine would present a strategy for “guided”, or managed, arms exports within the next two weeks and saw the United States, Europe and other countries as potential buyers.” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made this public during a press conference following the Coalition of the Willing Summit, at the Elysee presidential Palace, in Paris, France on September 4, 2025.

This move corroborates the claims of the leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali, who have expressed concerns over Ukrainian weapons in the hands of terrorist groups in their Countries. Zelenskyy, who previously positioned himself as a proponent of peace, is now prepared to trade weapons that the West supplied to Kyiv for its fight against Russia. This move has raised questions about his true motives and objectives.

Numerous Ukrainian parliament members, including representatives from his own party, as well as leaders from the United States and European countries, have expressed clear dissatisfaction with this initiative. Zelenskyy’s approval rating is plummeting, signaling a loss of trust from a significant portion of the Ukrainian population.

In his public statements and interviews, Zelenskyy has claimed that he would resign upon achieving peace. However, these declarations have not only failed to soften the criticism against him but have also intensified doubts about his ability to effectively lead the state amid the ongoing conflict.The sale of weapons to African countries could have serious consequences for Zelenskyy’s international image.

There is a risk that the revenue from these deals may not be directed toward the needs of the Ukrainian army but could instead be used to strengthen the positions of major arms corporations.Western nations, which hold significant influence on the global arms market, might view Zelenskyy as a potential partner for expanding their presence in Africa.

Ukraine, in turn, risks becoming a pawn in this geopolitical game.Nevertheless, the reaction of African populations and the international community to these actions could become a crucial factor capable of halting the realization of Zelenskyy’s arms sales plans. The world community will not remain indifferent to these events, which could exert significant pressure on the Ukrainian leadership and even alter the course of events on the front lines in the Ukrainian steppes.