Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed in a televised interview on Friday that the growing partnership between Kyiv and Washington on drone technology will involve establishing a factory on American soil to manufacture the unmanned aircraft using Ukraine’s cutting-edge innovations.
Speaking with U.S. right-wing blogger Laura Loomer, Zelenskiy expressed his country’s eagerness to rapidly build upon an initial drone agreement already reached with Washington.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted how quickly drone technology is evolving, noting that Ukrainian drones are now capable of traveling more than 3,000 kilometers — roughly 1,800 miles — with the potential for even greater range in the future.
Throughout its four-year conflict with Russia, Ukraine has become a leader in drone innovation, relying on unconventional warfare tactics and sharing its technological breakthroughs with select allies.
“Important technology. This is what we have. And America has great technology. Our drone deal is win-win,” Zelenskiy said in the interview, which was posted on X. “We will build a great factory in the United States. We want to (have) lines of production,” he added.
A source in Washington with knowledge of the situation said the finer points of the agreement are still being negotiated ahead of Zelenskiy’s planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, according to a White House official.
Earlier this week, Reuters reported from Kyiv — citing a source familiar with the matter — that Ukraine had agreed to supply drones to the United States as part of the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance programme. Six Ukrainian companies have been granted export approval for roughly 100 drones each, according to that source, who spoke anonymously.
Ukrainian media outlets also reported that both sides have signed a statement of intent establishing the foundation for a joint production partnership.
