Zelenskyy: US will send a team for «drone deal»

The US will send a team for the «drone deal»

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that next week a US team will arrive in Ukraine to discuss an agreement on the production of drones, known as the «drone-deal». According to him, the issue will concern the large-scale production of unmanned systems in Ukraine.

What will be discussed

Zelenskyy clarified that the visit of the US delegation is aimed at finalising the technical and production aspects of the agreement, including the creation of joint production facilities and financing mechanisms for mass production of drones. This should make it possible to scale up the Ukrainian production of unmanned systems and at the same time meet the needs of Western partners.

The context of the transaction

The «drone-deal» is being discussed from 2024-2025 as a mechanism for joint production and control over the export of drones. Earlier, the Ukrainian government announced plans for «controlled exports» of weapons and the establishment of representative offices to sell products abroad.

Other key statements by Zelenskyy

• «I have not seen a European plan to end the war,» the President said, stressing the lack of an agreed roadmap among European partners.

• «We are doing very well in the production of our missiles and are already using the new Flamingo and Ruta. By the end of this year, we expect mass production,» Zelenskyy said, emphasising the progress in domestic production of missile systems.

• «The Ministry of Defence is developing new contracts for servicemen, which will be for 1, 2, 3 and 5 years. The details will come later,» the President added.

Why it matters

A drone co-production agreement can:

• strengthen Ukraine's industrial potential;

• create jobs in the defence industry;

• provide the West with additional combat and intelligence platforms;

• raise questions about export controls and intellectual property.

What's next

Formal talks are expected to take place during the arrival of the US technical team next week; they may result in a production memorandum or a roadmap for further cooperation. Details will be announced after official meetings and press briefings.