Zelenskyy: Ukraine offered US $50B drone deal, no response so far
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
About a year ago, Ukraine proposed a major Drone Deal to the United States worth up to $50 billion, involving the export of Ukrainian technology and joint drone production; however, the United States has not yet decided, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states.
According to Ukraine's leader, the proposal included establishing an export structure across multiple areas: drones, technology, AI-based drones, AI technologies, and electronic warfare systems.
In exchange, Ukraine sought funding and ballistic missile defense capabilities, which are critically lacking. Essentially, Ukraine proposed exchanging UAV defense systems for missile defense systems.
"Our offer was that we can provide the system, and the United States should be first, because they support us strongly with ballistic weapons and are a strategic partner of Ukraine. That's why we proposed the drone deal to the United States," Zelenskyy explained.
He added that US President Donald Trump and US military officials have shown interest, and at no point was there any suggestion that Washington was not interested.
"I don't know the volume: how much the United States will want. If we have spare capacity, but it's operational, we will do it, because it's good for our exports. And I've never heard that the United States isn't interested," President Zelenskyy stressed.
Production capacity
The president said Ukraine is offering the United States a massive drone production and operational system, involving up to 200 companies.
"The choice will be made by the United States. They can select, for example, this interceptor today… another company with new technology tomorrow. Versatility is key," he added.
Ukraine is also ready to establish 50/50 joint ventures in which Ukrainian and American engineers will work together, with the drones available for use by both countries.
"The United States will receive our technologies. Our enterprises will increase production. Half of the output will go to our frontlines, which should be enough. The other half of the production capacity, which cannot currently expand due to financial constraints, will go to our partners," Zelenskyy explained.
Agreement still unsigned
So far, Ukraine and the United States have not signed the deal. The reason for the delay remains unclear, though many other countries have already shown interest.
"We've spoken with European countries regarding drones, and have already reached agreements. We've also received very specific proposals from the Middle East, Gulf countries, Africa, and several others," President Zelenskyy said.
According to him, the deal was valued at $35–50 billion and was a long-term agreement. Ukraine is ready to negotiate not only with the United States but also with other countries.
"We wanted to maintain relations with the Americans and Europe and demonstrate priorities. This is the current situation with the drone deal. As you can see, we already have production lines in Germany. They are operational. Production has just started in the United Kingdom, and we also have facilities in Denmark. This is a strong start for new defense partnerships," Ukraine's leader concluded.
Drone deal: Details
Last year, Ukraine offered the United States a Drone Deal. The agreement would provide Ukrainian unmanned systems (UAVs, maritime drones, and ground robots) for US needs in exchange for royalties, investments, and American arms purchases worth tens of billions of dollars.
In particular, the Pentagon views Ukrainian technology as a critical component of the Replicator and Artemis initiatives, aimed at preparing for a potential conflict with China in the Pacific region. See the detailed coverage of the deal here.
