Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the Turkish television channel CNN Türk that Kyiv and Ankara have discussed and continue to consider the possibility of cooperation in the field of satellite technologies. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing direct quotes from the head of state. The statement followed Zelenskyy's visit to Turkey and official meetings held with the Turkish side during the trip.
Format of Discussion and Context of the Visit
The issue of potential joint production or technology development with Turkey, including in the satellite segment, was posed to the Ukrainian president by CNN Türk journalists immediately after the official program of the visit concluded. According to Zelenskyy, the topic was brought up during working contacts between the two countries and is not limited to a one-time agreement: "We will also work in this area. This issue was also discussed and considered. You must agree, this is no easy matter," he emphasized, pointing to the technical and organizational complexity of such projects.
Satellite Technologies as an Area of Interaction
The President of Ukraine did not disclose specific parameters of the potential cooperation—neither the list of systems under development, nor timelines, nor the format of the parties' participation. Nevertheless, the very fact that the issue of satellite technologies was included in the agenda of high-level bilateral negotiations indicates that Kyiv views the space segment as one of the strategic areas of technological partnership with Ankara. Zelenskyy separately noted that the implementation of such initiatives requires significant resources and time, which he characterized as "no easy matter."
Security and Independence from Domestic Developments
Zelenskyy placed special emphasis in the interview on the link between technological self-sufficiency and national security. "Security is of great importance to both states. Without our own developments, without our own technologies, including in the space sector, it is difficult for us to move forward," the president summarized. Thus, satellite cooperation with Turkey, in his phrasing, is positioned not so much as a commercial project, but as an element of ensuring the defense capability and sovereignty of both countries amid the current geopolitical situation.
Strategic Significance for Bilateral Relations
Zelenskyy's statement fits into the broader context of deepening military-technical and technological dialogue between Ukraine and Turkey. Ankara has its own space agency and experience in developing small satellites, while Kyiv has been actively developing its national space program in recent years. Joint work in this segment, according to the Ukrainian president's logic, will allow both states to reduce their dependence on external suppliers of critical technologies and strengthen their positions in the sphere of information and defense security. Specific parameters and implementation timelines for the potential project were not announced at the time the statement was published.
