The United States has expressed interest in purchasing Ukrainian-made drones, while Kyiv looks to acquire advanced weaponry from American defense manufacturers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in comments published Wednesday.
In an interview cited by Militarnyi, Zelenskyy described the evolving relationship as “mutually beneficial cooperation,” highlighting how both countries are seeking to leverage each other’s defense technology.
“There are many drones that only we have. And we are discussing this with President Trump,” Zelenskyy said. “I told him I very much want to buy things from you that only you have. And he replied that America wants to buy Ukrainian drones… I really want America to help us defend our skies. This is very important.”
The comments come as Ukraine emerges as a global leader in the mass production and innovation of military drones, a transformation fueled by its fight against Russian forces and heavy state investment in unmanned technologies.
Ukrainian drones are no longer limited to reconnaissance or tactical strike roles. Many are modular systems designed for a wide range of missions, from quadcopters and jet-powered strike drones to sea-based unmanned vessels capable of precision attacks on naval targets.
Zelenskyy’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s ambition to scale its defense-industrial base while deepening security ties with Washington.
According to Militarnyi, more than 200 Ukrainian companies are now producing various types of drones, reflecting a rapidly growing market shaped by real-world combat experience. The wartime demand has spurred unprecedented collaboration between the Ukrainian government and private manufacturers, enabling production capacities that are described as unique on the global stage.
The United States has already invested heavily in Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, supplying air defense systems, long-range precision weapons, and billions in security assistance.
However, Kyiv is now looking to balance those imports with an export push of its own, using its homegrown technologies to attract U.S. and allied buyers.
“The U.S. defense industry is unmatched in certain areas, but Ukraine’s drone sector has demonstrated it can deliver cutting-edge systems that meet battlefield needs at scale,” Zelenskyy noted in his discussion with Trump, according to the report.
As the war enters its third year, Ukrainian forces are relying heavily on domestically produced drones for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and deep-strike operations. The Defense Ministry in Kyiv has credited these systems with disrupting Russian logistics and striking critical infrastructure far behind the front lines.
Zelenskyy said boosting Ukraine’s production of drones and securing additional Western weaponry remain key to maintaining the country’s defensive posture and ensuring long-term security.
“We are not just defending our land; we are building capabilities that are vital for the security of the entire democratic world,” he added.
The reported discussions between Washington and Kyiv come amid heightened pressure on Ukraine’s allies to sustain support as Russia continues its assault with drones and missiles across Ukrainian cities.