Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed a landmark defense agreement under which Ukraine will supply the United States with combat drones valued between $10 billion and $30 billion.
The announcement was made during a press conference, according to RBC-Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of the deal, noting that it strengthens both Ukraine’s defense industry and its strategic partnership with Washington.
He added that Kyiv is also seeking to acquire ten Patriot air defense systems from the US, with funding to be provided by European partners. Thus far, Ukraine has secured commitments for three systems, two from Germany and one from Norway, while discussions with the Netherlands remain ongoing.
The agreement follows earlier reports of a potential “mega-deal” under which the US would purchase Ukraine’s battle-tested drones in exchange for Kyiv increasing its procurement of American weapons.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliya Sviridenko later revealed that Zelensky and US President Donald Trump had reached a political-level accord to establish a joint drone production venture in Ukraine, with the resulting systems to be purchased by Washington.
On 16 July, Trump confirmed that the first deliveries of Patriot missile systems had begun as part of a broader arms arrangement involving NATO.
He reiterated that Washington will maintain the flow of military equipment to Ukraine provided Europe continues to share the financial burden, with NATO coordinating the process.
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