Dr Joana de Deus Pereira responds to reports that Ukraine is preparing to open defence export offices in Berlin and Copenhagen

'Ukraine's plans to open offices in Berlin and Copenhagen to manage the sale and export of surplus weapons, as well as defence systems co-produced with international partners, is a signal that it is planning to ease defence export controls and that a concerted effort in finally underway to transform Ukraine's wartime innovation. Forged in the crucible of conflict, into long-term industrial and strategic partnerships within Europe – this new endeavour marks its shift from wartime innovation hub to prospective actor in Europe’s security landscape.'

'Ukraine has the capacity to be an enduring actor in Europe’s security landscape but its own export restrictions and complex regulatory frameworks have blocked many of Ukraine’s most advanced defence systems from entering European markets, and meant Ukrainian capacity and knowledge has been absent from Europe’s defence architecture.'

'The export controls, designed to ensure Ukraine’s state ownership over designs and data developed under battlefield conditions, have instead actually encouraged private actors to withhold and retain them. This is not merely a trade issue but demonstrates how modern warfare is redefining defence production, ownership and accountability.'

'Ukrainian export barriers have meant Ukraine’s innovations have remained inaccessible to allies who need them most, while intellectual property has drifted out of state control and entered a commodified security market. Oversight must evolve with innovation to match the pace and complexity of modern warfare.'

Dr Joana de Deus Pereira, Senior Research Fellow, Terrorism and Conflict