Ukraine working on defence agreements with around 20 countries – Zelenskyy

Ukraine is working on defence agreements with around 20 countries under the Drone Deal programme for the joint development of defence technologies. Four agreements have already been signed, and the first contracts are now being prepared.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a briefing by Rustem Umierov, National Security and Defence Council Secretary

Quote: "Rustem also provided a separate detailed report on contacts with countries interested in Drone Deals with Ukraine. Nearly 20 countries are currently involved at various stages: 4 agreements have already been signed, and the first contracts under these agreements are now being prepared. With other countries, preparatory procedures are underway for political arrangements that will open the way for businesses."

Details: Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine was already seeing the first energy-related results from these agreements.

"Ukraine has already secured its first energy-related results thanks to these agreements – the Ukrainian market is being supplied with the necessary volume of fuel. There will also be significant financial results," he said.

The president added that Ukraine is preparing new security agreements within the Drone Deal framework with another region of the world.

"In addition to the Middle East and the Gulf, the South Caucasus and Europe, we will soon launch this new security cooperation within the framework of Drone Deals with another part of the world as well," Zelenskyy said.

For reference: Drone Deal is a format of long-term cooperation between Ukraine and partner countries that includes joint production of drones and other defence technologies, exports of Ukrainian weapons, construction of production lines, joint development of new technologies and financing of defence projects. According to the Office of the President, Drone Deal also includes a system for protection against mass attacks involving drones, air defence systems and electronic warfare capabilities.

Background: Earlier, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence of Ukraine announced the procurement of 8,000 Ukrainian-made Octopus interceptor drones. The Octopus drone was developed within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while production licences were granted to 29 Ukrainian companies and the government of the United Kingdom.

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