Drone deal: Ukraine handed over documents to the US for signature
26 August 05:22
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg in Kyiv to hand over documents for signing an agreement between Ukraine and the US on the production and sale of drones. The agreement is to be signed by the presidents of the two countries. Shmyhal announced this on his Telegram channel, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to the minister, during the meeting, the American delegation was provided with a detailed analysis of the situation at the front and the enemy’s plans, prepared by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Andriy Hnatov, and the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov.
“Together with our partners, we must increase pressure on the aggressor to force it to a just, lasting and sustainable peace. I informed the delegation about our defense priorities. The key is to increase the production of ammunition and drones to stop the enemy’s offensive. Joint projects in this area allow us to provide Ukrainian soldiers with weapons more efficiently,” Shmyhal said.
In addition, the parties discussed the creation of reliable security guarantees that will prevent new aggression against Ukraine in the future. The work on such guarantees is being carried out in close cooperation with international partners.
During the meeting, Shmyhal handed over documents to the American delegation to prepare for the signing of an agreement between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States on the production and sale of drones, known as the Drone deal. This agreement is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and support the effective equipping of the Ukrainian military with modern technologies.
What is known about the Drone deal between Ukraine and the United States
Ukraine and the United States of America are actively negotiating a large-scale agreement that provides for investments in Ukrainian drone production, their purchase by the American side and expansion of production capacity in our country.
Key parameters of the deal
- Investment amount: $50 billion
- Term of the agreement: 5 years
- Production volumes: 10 million drones per year
The political decision to implement the project was made by the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump.
“As for drones: the drone deal that we have prepared and offered to the American side is $50 billion for 5 years, 10 million drones a year,” Zelensky said during a private meeting with journalists.
The essence of the agreements
Under the terms of the preliminary agreements, the United States will purchase a large batch of Ukrainian drones tested in combat conditions, and Ukraine, in turn, will be able to purchase the latest American weapons.
In addition, the option of joint production of drones in Ukraine is being considered, which will expand the industrial base and attract additional investments.
Next steps
Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev said that by the end of the summer, a joint board of the U.S.-Ukraine Fund will meet for the first time to coordinate such initiatives.
When will the program start?
According to President Zelenskyy, the active implementation of the agreement will begin after the war is over.
However, preparatory processes are already underway: the parties are working out the details of contracts and technical parameters of cooperation.
Why is this agreement important?
- Establishment of joint production lines with the United States
- Providing Ukraine with the latest weapons
- Promotion of Ukrainian military technologies to the global market
- Attracting large investments in the military-industrial complex
This “drone deal” could become one of Ukraine’s largest defense agreements in recent years and pave the way for large-scale production of modern UAVs in partnership with the United States.
