Ukraine and the U.S. are close to signing a drone defense deal that would allow for the expansion of Ukrainian defense technology in the U.S., according to a new report.
CBS News detailed that Ukraine's experience with drone warfare has motivated Washington to pursue expanding its military partnership. Since the start of the Iran war, the U.S. and its allies have faced a barrage of drone attacks from Iran.
Ukraine expects to build 10 million drones this year. In comparison, the U.S. Army acquired a total of 50,000 drones last year. Ukraine has demonstrated an ability not only to manufacture, but also operate and defend against drones, which have become a central component of the conflict.
"There is a sort of a misconception that you just buy the tech and somehow it's going to work. Really what the West needs to start understanding better is that it's not just about having the tech. It's about how the tech is used. And this is where Ukraine's knowledge, skills, experience really need to be transmitted along with it," Deborah Fairlamb of Green Flag Ventures, an American firm that invests in Ukrainian defense technology, told CBS News. "It's not just like it's a rifle that you just point and shoot."
The impending U.S. partnership comes after meetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
"Both the U.S. and Ukraine want to see this senseless Russian war ended before winter. We discussed potential de-escalatory steps that can open up the way to diplomacy," Zelenskyy said. "I am grateful that in the meantime our teams keep working on launching Patriot interceptor production in Ukraine. This is what will help protect lives, should Russia spurn the negotiations and keep betting on ballistic missile terror against our people this winter and beyond."
In a follow-up post, Zelenskyy stated that he and President Trump discussed a possible energy ceasefire.
"We are ready for an energy ceasefire if they do not attack our energy system, our electricity, heating, and water supply. This is our proposal. We are thankful to the American side. They will share it with the Russians. I don't know the Russian position," Zelenskyy stated.
CBS News reported that Ukraine has already signed defense agreements with U.S. allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
