Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a comprehensive bilateral drone cooperation agreement with the United States, highlighting Ukraine’s battlefield-tested drone capabilities and offering closer technological collaboration between the two countries.
Speaking in an interview with Face the Nation, Zelensky said Ukraine has already initiated discussions with Washington regarding a potential “Drone Deal” that would allow the United States to test, train with, and deploy various Ukrainian drone systems across air, land, and maritime operations.
“We wanted to conclude the first Drone Deal with the United States,” Zelensky said. “The U.S. wanted to test all types of our drones. We agreed to the way they wanted to test, train with, and use our systems in the air, on land, and at sea. But we still don’t have a bilateral Drone Deal — a large framework agreement.”
The Ukrainian leader noted that Kyiv has already established drone cooperation agreements with several countries in Europe and the Middle East and is currently preparing a major drone partnership framework with the European Union.
“The Drone Deals we have are with some countries in the Middle East and Europe, and now we are preparing a big Drone Deal with the EU. I hope we will reach the same agreement with our American partners,” Zelensky said.
While acknowledging the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence technologies, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s extensive combat experience has enabled it to develop unique expertise and capabilities that could benefit American defense and technology sectors.
“American companies have advanced AI technologies we don’t have. In turn, we have many things they don’t have, due to our extensive experience on the battlefield,” he stated.
Zelensky described the potential partnership as a significant opportunity for both nations, calling for swift negotiations to formalize the agreement.
“I think this cooperation can be huge — the most powerful of its kind in the world. We need to negotiate, not just talk about it. Take the necessary steps and do it as quickly as possible. For this, we need President Trump to say yes,” he said.
In another post, Zelensky added —- “There is not enough anti-ballistic missile production in the United States and this could lead to a crisis in different parts of the world. Russia is ramping up its internal production of ballistic missiles. I sent a letter to the White House and to the U.S. Congress. I hope they will understand and respond. 60–65 anti-ballistic missiles per month, compared to current challenges, is nothing. It is no secret and Russia knows this. We need to expand the production. I asked the previous U.S. administration, and I am asking today’s administration to give Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles.”
“We can increase the production of Patriot missiles. This will help us. This will help the Middle East and any other country that the United States decides to help. Until we produce a European anti-ballistic system, we will need support from the United States,” he said.