Ukraine has sharply criticized German arms manufacturer "Rheinmetall" after its CEO Armin Paperger downplayed its innovations in the field of drones, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
In an interview with "The Atlantic" Paperger described the Ukrainian drones as "elementary technology assembled by housewives in their kitchens".
For Kiev, however, drones are key to the war with Russia and have become a symbol of ingenuity and resilience after Ukraine has been fighting off a stronger and better-armed adversary for four years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called his words strange. He commented with an ironic tone: "If every Ukrainian housewife can really produce drones, then every Ukrainian housewife can also be the CEO of "Rheinmetall". Zelensky congratulated the Ukrainian defense industry on the high level it has reached.
In recent years, Ukraine has established itself as one of the leading producers of modern, combat-tested interceptor drones that are both effective and relatively inexpensive, the Associated Press adds.
After Paperger's statement, Ukrainians reacted sharply on social networks, criticizing him with the hashtag #Homemade.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko emphasized the significant role of women in Ukraine's efforts to resist the Russian invasion of February 2022.
"Ukrainian women are an essential part of both the country's military efforts and the security of Europe," she wrote in Ex. According to her, women are boldly entering areas traditionally dominated by men, bringing discipline and determination. "And all this while raising the next generation and taking care of their families in wartime conditions," she added.
Advisor to the Ukrainian president, Oleksandr Kamyshin, also noted that he regularly visits military production facilities where men and women work side by side.