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While Kyiv awaits a decision from Donald Trump on a proposed framework agreement on drone cooperation, countries in the Middle East are already actively signing contracts to purchase Ukrainian unmanned systems.
Ukraine’s drone industry has become a key player in modern warfare, driven by extensive battlefield experience against Russia. Kyiv has already secured “drone deals” with several European and Middle Eastern countries and is preparing a major agreement with the EU. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging the United States to finalize a bilateral drone framework, which remains unresolved, saying only a final decision from Trump is needed.
Zelensky has emphasized the importance of cooperation, noting that US tech companies have advanced artificial intelligence capabilities that Ukraine lacks, while Ukraine offers unique combat-tested operational experience. According to The Guardian, Washington has previously shown interest in testing Ukrainian drones across air, land, and sea domains, with Kyiv agreeing to the conditions. However, Trump has expressed skepticism, arguing that the US does not require outside assistance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials highlight the effectiveness of domestically developed drones through continued strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, including reported attacks on the Saratov oil refinery, a fuel depot in Rostov region, and a pumping station in the Kirov region located more than 1,200 km from Ukrainian-controlled territory.
