Zelensky says US, Ukraine moving forward on joint drone production

International Zelensky says US, Ukraine moving forward on joint drone production Comments: by Finya Swai - 07/25/26 2:52 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 07/25/26 2:52 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the U.S. and Ukraine plan to build a drone factory in the U.S. as part of a new defense partnership combining American manufacturing with Ukraine’s battlefield-tested drone technology.

Speaking in an interview with far-right influencer Laura Zoomer, Zelensky said the agreement would expand on an initial drone cooperation deal reached with the U.S., describing the project as beneficial to both countries.

“Important technology. This is what we have. And America has great technology. Our drone deal is win-win,” Zelensky said in the interview that aired Friday. “We will build a great factory in the United States. We want to [have] lines of production.”

Ukraine has sought to strengthen its defense capabilities and cooperate with the Trump administration while showcasing the drone technology it has rapidly developed during the ongoing four-year long war with Russia.

Zelensky told Loomer that Ukraine’s drone capabilities continue to advance, with some systems now capable of operating at ranges more than 1,800 miles, adding that engineers are working to extend the distance even further.

A White House official told Reuters that the details of the agreement were under discussion ahead of Zelensky’s planned meeting on Tuesday with President Trump.

Reuters reported earlier this week that six Ukrainian companies have been authorized to export roughly 100 drones each to the U.S., as part of the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance program.

The outlet cited reports from Ukrainian media that said the two countries signed a statement of intent establishing the framework for joint drone production, though the full terms of the partnership have not yet been released.

Zelensky met with Loomer this week in Kyiv after the far-right influencer, who is a loyal ally of Trump, reversed her long-held vocal opposition of U.S. military aid to Ukraine amid the Russian war.

She cited her firsthand experience witnessing air raid sirens while visiting Ukraine helped change her perspective and issued an apology to Ukraine and its government for her past critical comments.

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