United States and Ukraine discuss drone-for-weapons agreement, says Zelensky

By Defence Industry Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed ongoing talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump for a potential agreement involving the exchange of Ukrainian drones for American weapons. Speaking to the New York Post, Zelensky described the discussions as a “mega deal” that would see Ukraine provide its advanced drone technology in return for purchasing arms from the United States.

 

The proposal comes as Ukraine looks to share its battlefield experience in drone warfare, developed during more than three years of conflict with Russia. “The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal,” Zelensky told the Post in an interview conducted on Wednesday and released Thursday.

Ukrainian drones have proven capable of striking targets up to 800 miles (1,300 kilometres) inside Russian territory. A notable example is Operation Spiderweb, during which 117 drones targeted and destroyed multiple Russian bombers across four military bases.

 

 

Zelensky emphasised Ukraine’s willingness to share its drone expertise with Western allies. “We will be ready to share this experience with America and other European partners,” he said, also naming Denmark, Norway, and Germany as countries involved in similar talks.

The report coincided with Zelensky’s announcement on Thursday of future agreements with the United States aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities. Although details remain unspecified, the agreements are expected to involve greater collaboration on defence technology and procurement.

 

 

Drone warfare has become a defining feature of the ongoing war between Kyiv and Moscow, with both sides deploying large numbers of low-cost, explosive-capable unmanned aerial vehicles. In response, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth earlier this month issued a directive to accelerate American drone production and “cut red tape”.

A new Pentagon memorandum highlights the need for the U.S. military to match global advancements in drone manufacturing. Hegseth stated he wants all branches of the armed forces to train personnel in drone operations, while next year’s defence budget includes increased funding for small drone systems.

 

 

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