Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that nearly a year ago, Ukraine proposed a substantial agreement to the United States focusing on drones and the export of Ukrainian security technologies. Zelensky made this announcement during a press briefing on March 14, as reported by Suspilne.
According to the President, the proposal included the establishment of an export infrastructure for Ukrainian drones, artificial intelligence-based drone technologies, electronic warfare systems, and other defense solutions. He emphasized that such collaboration could enhance air defense systems, including the Patriot missile systems.
Zelensky pointed out that while a significant number of anti-ballistic missiles can provide some level of protection, they are insufficient against large-scale drone attacks, particularly those involving Iranian-made Shahed drones.
The proposed strategic agreement, which Zelensky estimated could involve cooperation worth between $35 billion and $50 billion, aimed to increase the production of Ukrainian drones. A portion of this output would be directed to the front lines, while the remainder would be exported to partners, primarily the United States.
Additionally, the plan considered the possibility of establishing joint production facilities in the U.S., operating on a 50/50 basis between Ukrainian and American engineers. This arrangement would allow both nations to utilize the drones according to their security needs.
However, Zelensky noted that a formal agreement with former President Donald Trump has yet to be signed, and he expressed uncertainty regarding the reasons for this delay. He stated, “We did not sign the document with President Trump. I do not have an answer as to why. Perhaps it will happen later, but I am not sure. We have discussed drones with European countries, and agreements are already in place with them.”
“We did not sign the document with President Trump. I do not have an answer as to why. Perhaps it will happen later, but I am not sure. We have discussed drones with European countries, and agreements are already in place with them,” he explained.
Zelensky also mentioned that production lines for Ukrainian drones are already operational in Germany, with additional production having commenced in the United Kingdom. Projects are also underway in Denmark.
The President emphasized the importance of regulated sales of drones, opposing chaotic transactions by private companies without government oversight. He asserted that the export of Ukrainian security technologies should be systematically managed by the government, given that the production of modern drones and the combat experience associated with them represent a strategic asset for the nation.
“I believe that this is not a very good idea. I know of a specific company that is Ukrainian-American 50/50, and they were selling interceptors. I informed my Ministry of Defense and sent signals to this private company many times. I told them: ‘This is not good.’ Why? Because we currently have a high reputation in the world. You will provide these drones. It is up to you whether to sell them, but without our soldiers, this will not work. This means you will have to talk to our guys. And it is unacceptable for the private sector to effectively take away from our defense the soldiers or operators of drones. This is unacceptable,” he stressed.
Earlier, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine is considering providing expertise on countering Shahed-type strike drones to Middle Eastern nations. On March 5, he confirmed that Kyiv had received a request from Washington for assistance against Iranian kamikaze drones in the Middle East, which Iran has been using to attack Gulf countries. He instructed that “necessary measures be provided and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists.”
On March 8, Zelensky announced that the first group of military experts from Ukraine would soon arrive in the Middle East. Two days later, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishina stated that Ukraine had provided Gulf countries with expertise to counter Iranian drones while simultaneously engaging in discussions regarding future access to interceptor missiles for its air defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined a proposal for a significant drone agreement with the United States, aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. The initiative includes the establishment of production facilities and regulated exports of drone technologies, emphasizing the need for governmental oversight in defense-related transactions.