Ukraine moves closer to a $50 million drone deal with the US. On 25 August, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg in Kyiv to discuss the frontline situation, weapons production, and joint defense projects.

Drone deal: 10 million drones per year

Ukraine proposed joint drone production with the US worth $50 billion over five years. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the deal envisions producing 10 million drones annually, making it one of the largest defense initiatives worldwide.

The deal includes not only bulk procurement of Ukrainian drones but also the development of joint technologies to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The political decision was made by Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in Washington, Glavcom reports.

Recently, Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk has confirmed plans to finalize the landmark deal: Ukraine will sell its domestically developed drones and, in return, receive advanced US weapons. Kyiv offers partners unique technologies, security products, and defense expertise.

US support and NATO cooperation

Defense Minister Shmyhal thanked General Kellogg and the American for leadership and support, emphasizing that “it helps save lives and brings a just peace closer.”

He also praised the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List initiative, which allows NATO countries to rapidly supply critical US weapons and technology.

Boosting production and security guarantees

Shmyhal also briefed Kellogg on Ukraine’s defense priorities: ramping up ammunition and drone production to halt the aggressor’s offensive. Joint projects in this area help more efficiently equip Ukrainian soldiers.

They also discussed creating reliable security guarantees to prevent future aggression against Ukraine, developed in close cooperation with international partners.