Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed the sale of Ukrainian drones to the United States, worth between $10 billion and $30 billion. The idea was discussed with former US President Donald Trump in July, where they agreed on a “mega deal” that would see Ukraine sell drones to the US in exchange for other American weapons.
Zelensky tasked several top officials, including Secretary of National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Presidential Adviser Oleksandr Kamyshin, with drafting a contract for the sale. The deal is seen as significant, considering drones have become essential to Ukraine’s war effort, providing real-time battlefield intelligence and precision strikes.
According to Ukrainian Defense Ministry, drone strikes account for up to 80% of Russian battlefield casualties. Russia has also been using its own drones in the conflict, but with varying success.
The sale would mark a major shift in the US-Ukraine relationship, particularly given Trump’s recent decision to send more weapons to Ukraine. The details of the proposed deal remain unclear, with Zelensky stating that it is still being discussed.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/us-buy-30-billion-ukrainian-drones-under-trump-deal-zelensky-2104008