The deal of the century will glorify the industrial complex of a warring country.
A significant turn is taking place in the relations between Ukraine and the U.S. Until now, the supply of weapons necessary to repel Russian aggression has been one-sided – from America to Kyiv. However, Kyiv can now offer America battle-tested drone technologies. And not just offer – to strike a deal, as Donald Trump likes to say.
A group of Ukrainian officials and military personnel began negotiations this week in Washington with the presidential administration regarding an agreement that would provide drone technologies in exchange for royalties or other forms of compensation, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing officials from both countries. The deal has been supported by both Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Its size could reach billions of dollars, an American official told the newspaper. According to him, if the parties reach a preliminary agreement, it will take months to discuss the specific details of the agreement.
The U.S. makes complex drones, but Ukrainians are far ahead in mass production of cheap unmanned aerial vehicles that have proven their effectiveness in combat. Ukraine is ready to share its rich experience in the production and use of drones. Negotiations with representatives of the Pentagon and the State Department have begun, and the Ukrainian delegation is headed by Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boev.
The American venture fund UA1 has invested in eight Ukrainian defense companies, and its partner William McNulty acknowledges: "The fact that we in the U.S. need Ukrainian drone technologies is simply a reality." Another official from the American administration told WSJ that the drone deal would allow American troops to take advantage of Ukraine's competitive advantages in UAVs. Kyiv, in turn, seeks to acquire high-tech American weapons, the official added, referring to the Patriot missile system, HIMARS rocket launchers, ATACMS systems that fire long-range missiles, and multi-role fighter jets.
The drone deal could become part of a military package that will include a "mega-deal," under which, as Zelensky stated last Saturday, Ukraine hopes to acquire weapons from the U.S. worth tens of billions of dollars, including long-range missiles that would allow for more powerful strikes on Russian territory.
Leave a comment