Ukraine and U.S. Discuss Major Drone Sales Deal, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has reached an agreement with the United States regarding the sale of Ukrainian-made drones, with the potential value of the deal estimated between $10 billion and $30 billion. Zelensky described the arrangement as a reciprocal deal, where Washington would purchase drones from Ukraine while Kyiv would acquire U.S. weapons.

Zelensky told journalists on July 24, "This agreement is in place," and noted that oversight of the contracts will be managed by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, and presidential advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin. The U.S. administration has also approved two potential military sales to Ukraine worth approximately $330 million.

Ukraine is also working to relocate parts of its weapons production abroad and is negotiating joint manufacturing agreements with Denmark, Norway, and Germany. Zelensky said an agreement has been reached with Denmark to establish production lines for long-range drones, with Denmark providing additional funding and a 50/50 partnership with the private sector. After the war, Denmark will retain some of the drones for its own military needs.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has expanded its drone production capabilities, aiming to manufacture 30,000 long-range drones in 2025. Ukrainian hybrid strike drones, such as the Palianytsia and Peklo models, have drawn international attention for their precision and range. On June 1, Ukraine conducted a significant drone strike, known as Operation Spiderweb, targeting four Russian air bases with first-person view drones.