KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Amid Iran war, senior officials in Kyiv are criticizing Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. His comments about Ukrainian drone technology have sparked a social media backlash.

Papperger also made controversial remarks about women serving in the war against Russia.

He compared Ukraine’s advanced drone development to playing “with Lego.” He also said “Ukrainian housewives” build the drones.

“They have 3D printers in the kitchen, and they produce parts for drones,” Papperger told The Atlantic magazine. The magazine published his comments Friday. “This is not innovation.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered Ukraine’s advanced drone technology to Gulf countries. He is doing so amid the Iran war.

Zelenskyy called Papperger’s remarks “strange” on Monday.

“If every Ukrainian housewife can really produce drones, then every Ukrainian housewife could also be the CEO of Rheinmetall,” Zelenskyy told reporters in a WhatsApp voice message.

“I congratulate our defense-industrial complex on reaching such a high level.