Ukrainian Defense Minister and US Special Envoy hold talks on major drone agreement
Photo: US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal (t.me/Denys_Smyhal)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg. One of the topics discussed was a major drone agreement, according to the Ukrainian Defense Minister.
During the meeting, Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov and head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov briefed the US delegation on enemy plans and the situation at the front.
"Together with our partners, we must increase pressure on the aggressor to force it toward a just, lasting, and sustainable peace," Shmyhal emphasized.
He also informed Kellogg about Ukraine’s defense priorities, including scaling up ammunition and drone production to halt Russia’s advance.
Particular attention was given to reliable security guarantees that would make future aggression against Ukraine impossible. Ukraine continues to work on such guarantees with its partners.
"We discussed preparations for the signing of an agreement between the Presidents of Ukraine and the U.S. concerning drone production and sales—Drone Deal. Relevant documents were provided to the American side during the meeting," Shmyhal added.
The drone deal
In July, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Ukraine was preparing to sign a major drone deal with the United States. Under the agreement, the US is expected to purchase a large batch of Ukrainian-made drones.
A few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine had already submitted a draft agreement to the US. The project envisions drone production worth $50 billion.
According to Zelenskyy, the program could be launched after the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine
