Zelenskyy: Ukraine to sign 15 more drone agreements with partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is working towards signing 15 more agreements in the Drone Deal format, which involves defence cooperation, exchange of experience and long-term financing for Ukrainian drone production.

 Volodymyr Zelenskyy said agreements on cooperation in the drone sector are a priority.

"When we talk about Drone Deals, this isn't simply about exporting particular drones. It's a format that integrates our Ukrainian experience of defending ourselves in this war with our partners' defence capabilities," Zelenskyy said at a general meeting of ambassadors in Kyiv.

Zelenskyy said that, under this format, Ukrainian experts assess partners' air defence capabilities and propose comprehensive solutions drawing on at least a decade of cooperation with Ukraine, including in the defence sector.

"Thanks to the Drone Deal format, Ukraine receives long-term, annual financing for Ukraine and Ukrainian defence manufacturers and a stable financial foundation for the defence industry. Partners, in turn, receive modern defence capabilities," he added.

Zelenskyy said drone agreements have already been concluded with nine countries, with a further 15 deals under negotiation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy had outlined his expectations for his upcoming meeting with UK's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

It was also reported that Zelenskyy discussed drone arrangements with Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO.

In July, the EU signed a drone agreement with Ukraine.