Ukraine prepares new drone developments and major defense deal with US - Verkhovna Rada Speaker
Photo: Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk (Getty Images)
Ukraine is preparing to sign a new agreement under which it will sell domestically developed drones to the United States in exchange for purchasing cutting-edge American weaponry.
This was announced by Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, according to his interview with the We-Ukraine TV channel.
He noted that the world now considers Ukraine’s experience in drone manufacturing and anti-drone interceptors a global benchmark.
"By this fall, Ukraine’s defense industry will once again surprise the world with new developments, which are now being funded by global economies. I’d like to mention the Danish and Czech models, which are financing or supplying the Armed Forces of Ukraine through their funding," the Speaker said.
In addition, Stefanchuk stated that Ukraine is expecting a new "mega deal" with the United States. Under this agreement, Ukrainian-made drones will be sold to the US, and in return, Ukraine will purchase the latest American weapons.
"This marks a completely new chapter, where we begin to serve as a provider of security to the entire world. Because we have unique experience, unique technologies, and unique security products that we can offer to our partners," Stefanchuk added.
Ukraine-US defense cooperation
On July 18, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced that Ukraine and the US are preparing to sign a drone deal covering the production and export of unmanned aerial systems.
The matter was discussed during a recent phone call between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. The American leader reportedly expressed strong interest in Ukrainian drones and said the US is open to purchasing them. Zelenskyy, in turn, asked for US support in strengthening Ukraine’s air shield.
Additionally, the US and NATO have signed a broader agreement to supply American weapons to Ukraine, with European countries covering the costs.
As part of this arrangement, Ukraine is set to receive another batch of Patriot air defense systems.
