Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated the country’s interest in establishing a drone production agreement with the United States, emphasizing the significance of the partnership. During a press briefing on March 20, he confirmed that the proposal, initially made a year ago, remains under consideration as the U.S. is viewed as Ukraine’s “priority partner.”
Zelensky highlighted that the potential agreement encompasses not only interceptors but also naval drones and long-range drones, which have been validated through combat experience. He expressed eagerness to finalize the deal, stating, “I am very interested in signing this agreement with our close partner – the United States of America. So when President Trump is ready, I will definitely be ready. I believe our negotiating team will discuss this issue as well.”
In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump, in a recent NBC News interview, dismissed the notion of providing assistance to Ukraine in countering Iranian drones. He stated that Washington does not require such help and described Zelensky as the last person from whom the U.S. would seek assistance. Trump refrained from commenting on whether the U.S. had received any support from Ukraine regarding interceptor drones amidst operations against Iran.
Earlier in March, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would assist Middle Eastern nations in defending against Iranian attacks, with Ukrainian experts deployed on-site. Reports from the Financial Times indicated that both the U.S. and an unnamed Gulf state are interested in acquiring Ukrainian interceptor drones. In response, Iranian officials labeled Ukraine a “legitimate target.”
Ukraine is actively pursuing a drone production agreement with the U.S., as President Zelensky emphasizes the importance of this partnership. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump has publicly rejected the idea of providing assistance to Ukraine, complicating the potential collaboration.