KYIV, Ukraine — Top Ukrainian officials are pushing back against dismissive remarks from a German defense executive who downplayed the country’s sophisticated drone manufacturing capabilities and made controversial comments about women’s roles in the war effort.
Armin Papperger, who leads the defense contractor Rheinmetall AG as Chairman and CEO, compared Ukraine’s advanced drone development to playing with children’s toys and claimed the devices are manufactured by “Ukrainian housewives.”
“They have 3D printers in the kitchen, and they produce parts for drones,” Papperger stated in remarks published Friday by The Atlantic magazine. “This is not innovation.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Papperger’s statements “strange” during a Monday response to reporters delivered through WhatsApp voice message.
“If every Ukrainian housewife can really produce drones, then every Ukrainian housewife could also be the CEO of Rheinmetall,” Zelenskyy responded. “I congratulate our defense-industrial complex on being at such a high level.”
The war-torn nation has rapidly emerged as a global leader in manufacturing advanced, combat-proven drone interceptors that offer both affordability and effectiveness.
Following the publication of Papperger’s statements, Ukrainian citizens flooded social media platforms with criticism using the hashtag #MadeByHousewives.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko defended Ukrainian women’s contributions to resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.
“Ukrainian women are indeed an essential part of Ukraine’s war effort and of Europe’s security,” Svyrydenko wrote on X Sunday evening. “They have stepped with courage into many areas once seen as male-dominated, bringing energy, discipline, and determination.”
“And they are doing this while raising our next generation and caring for their families under wartime pressures,” she continued.
Presidential adviser Alexander Kamyshin, who frequently visits defense manufacturing facilities, noted the equal participation of both genders in production.
“They are great housewives, yet they have to work hard in the military factories,” he posted on X. “They deserve respect.”
Rheinmetall issued a response Sunday on X, stating the company maintains “the utmost respect” for Ukrainians battling Russian forces.
“Every single woman and man in (Ukraine) is making an immeasurable contribution,” the company stated. “The innovative strength and the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people are an inspiration to us.”
