The Ukrainian defense industry is entering a new phase of development. The number of partnerships between Ukrainian and foreign manufacturers is growing, a culture of technological collaboration is forming, and against the backdrop of decreasing support from individual partners, Europe, in particular Germany, is demonstrating unwavering and long-term support.
The Ukrainian defense industry is entering a new phase of development. The number of partnerships between Ukrainian and foreign manufacturers is growing, a culture of technological collaboration is forming, and against the backdrop of decreasing support from individual partners, Europe, in particular Germany, is demonstrating unwavering and long-term support.
A dev.ua journalist spoke with Konstantin Shelipov, General Manager & Director of Business Development at ITO Global Logistics Ukraine, about how the market is changing, what is happening behind the scenes of defense logistics, and why «plowing» during war is vital.
«I have decided to join the Help Ukraine Win mission.»
— Konstantin, you managed logistics in large systemic international companies. Why did you decide to move into the defense industry?
— In November 2023, I decided to join the Help Ukraine Win mission. It was more important than any previous achievements. I understood that my experience in complex logistics could really affect the result.
It so happened that I became the first Ukrainian employee of a foreign defense startup, which at that time did not inspire confidence. There was no system, there were no standards. But today these projects are successful companies. I am proud to have been there at the moment of entering the market and scaling.
«There are things that only one person can do — and those are their true contributions.»
— You say that some achievements cannot be repeated. What exactly?
— Some things only work out when someone takes action and does it, against all odds. Such decisions are not repeated — because it is impossible to repeat character.
«I was ready to transition into UAVs—engineering and technology have always been my thing.»
— You changed industries from automotive and heavy equipment to UAVs. How difficult was the transition?
— Actually, I was ready for this. I’ve been interested in technology for many years, building computers, working with radio electronics. About 10 years ago, that was a long time ago.
In 2023, I received my UAV operator and engineering certifications. This allowed me to not only manage supply chains, but also gain a deep understanding of the technical needs of manufacturing.
«Partnerships are the foundation of any success.»
— You built relationships with partners. Have these connections been preserved?
— Yes. I have always advocated for partnership, long-term relationships. I am still in contact with many manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors. If we take my entire career, these are relationships of 10–15 years or more. We are friends, support each other, and share experience. That’s how it should be.
«This is Germany in the best sense of the word.»
— After completing your defense contracts, you joined ITO Global Logistics. Why this company?
— Because it is Germany in the best sense of the word. The company was founded in 1978. During this time, it has provided huge volumes of military and humanitarian supplies — from UN programs to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
But the main thing is the human attitude. Communication without show-offs, without pathos, without «we’re the coolest here.» Just people who care.
ITO Global Logistics: a company that solves what others refuse to do.
ITO Global Logistics operates in a wide range of defense and specialized transportation. The company provides logistics for: military equipment, equipment and machinery for the State Emergency Service and other structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, specialized systems for units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, large and oversized cargo, dual-purpose goods, full cycle of ADR transportation (classes 1–9) with permits, support and compliance with international standards for startups that aim to enter the Ukrainian market with their products.
It’s not just transportation. It’s comprehensive solutions that allow manufacturers and government agencies to operate without delays and risks.
«Previously, logistics providers simply refused. We didn’t.»
There has long been a typical problem in the market: it was worth telling a logistics provider that the cargo was a dual-purpose product — for example, a drone — and the answer was one:
«We’re not carrying it.»
This even applied to large Ukrainian logistics companies.
In wartime, this position created critical delays and risks for defense projects.
ITO Global Logistics works differently.
The company and its team fully understand the importance of defense logistics, so the client will not hear the word «no.»
ITO organizes full support, takes on complex cases, and finds solutions where others see only limitations.
This is about responsibility, partnership, and real support for the country in the war.
«I know it will work because I’ve been on both sides.»
— You say you know exactly what will work and what won’t. Where does that confidence come from?
— Because I’ve been on both sides. I know what business expects, and I know what a logistics provider can provide.
My ambition is to become the first specialized logistics provider in Ukraine in the areas of dual-use, military cargo, and humanitarian supplies.
ITO Global Logistics' next steps
These are not plans — this is a work schedule, this is an existing process. We are progressing rapidly, we are understood and supported, our activities are for the benefit of Ukraine.
— ITO Global Logistics is not only about Germany and Ukraine, it is about a much wider coverage, we transport from many countries of the world and by all types of transport.
— I have no domestic politics. I do what I love. I want to invest as much as possible in supporting my state. It’s about service, not just business.
I invite everyone to cooperate — customers, carriers, and those working in the defense, humanitarian, and critical logistics ecosystem. I am glad to meet new people and expand my circle of contacts.
