Ukraine’s Zelensky says he and Trump are considering a drone ‘mega deal’
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyi visiting an exhibition of Ukrainian-made drone-missiles in Kyiv in December 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
- Zelensky and Trump discuss a deal: US buys Ukrainian drones, Kyiv purchases US weapons to boost aerial technology.
- Ukrainian drones strike up to 1,300km into Russia; Zelensky offers to share drone experience with the US and Europe.
- US defence budget increases spending on small drones due to Ukraine war lessons; future US-Ukraine agreements are expected.
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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are considering a “mega deal” that involves Washington buying battlefield-tested Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kyiv purchasing weapons from the US, Mr Zelensky said in an interview with the New York Post.
Mr Zelensky said his latest talks with Mr Trump focused on a deal that would help each country bolster its aerial technology.
Ukrainian drones have been able to strike targets as deep as 1,300km into Russian territory.
“The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal,” Mr Zelensky told The Post in the interview conducted on July 16.
The Ukrainian leader said drones were the key tool that has allowed his country to fight off Russia’s invasion for more than three years.
“We will be ready to share this experience with America and other European partners,” he said.
Ukraine is also in talks with Denmark, Norway and Germany, he said.
On July 17, Mr Zelensky announced unspecified future agreements with the US that he said would strengthen his country, as he appeared in Parliament to put forward his new government.
The 2026 US defence and national security budget request boosts spending on small drones – in part because of lessons learnt during Russia’s war in Ukraine, where unmanned aircraft have proven to be an integral part of low-cost, yet highly effective fighting. REUTERS
US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg (second from left) checking out Ukrainian-made weapons and military equipment with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (right) on July 15 in Kyiv.
PHOTO: EPA
