Ukraine has proposed a multi-year drone agreement to the United States, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. France will also provide Ukraine with an alternative to the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system for testing. In addition, some governments have attempted to purchase Ukrainian weapons without Kyiv’s approval.
Multi-billion drone deal with the US
According to the president, Ukraine has proposed a large multi-year drone agreement to the United States worth about $35–50 billion. The proposal was first presented to the Americans nearly a year ago.
The initiative includes cooperation in the production and use of drones, as well as the exchange of technology and experience gained during modern warfare. The US would be the first country to receive Ukraine’s battlefield experience, given its status as Ukraine’s strategic partner. If peace comes to Ukraine and the US needs larger supplies, it would have priority.
“For example, today one interceptor may be effective, but tomorrow another company could introduce a new technology. The system must remain flexible,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that the agreement is designed for many years. Even if some naval drones become obsolete in two years due to technological developments, they could be replaced by new underwater drones. He added that Washington has not yet provided a clear response to the proposal, although the US has shown interest.
French alternative to Patriot
Ukraine also plans to test a European air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. This is the SAMP/T air defense system, a French-Italian surface-to-air missile system that is currently the only European alternative to the Patriot system.
“If we succeed with the French and can intercept ballistic missiles, this will be the first such alternative. And of course, Emmanuel (Macron) and I have agreed that Ukraine will be first in line,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy also warned that Ukraine could receive fewer air defense systems due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said he plans to discuss with partner countries how many systems they currently have in storage.
Ukrainian weapons purchased without Kyiv’s approval
Zelenskyy also said that some foreign governments had attempted to buy Ukrainian weapons directly from manufacturers, bypassing the state. The government therefore plans to regulate the mechanisms for selling weapons abroad.
“I know countries that already have hundreds of our interceptors,” Zelenskyy said. “I told them this is not good. Ukraine currently has a strong reputation in the world. You can decide whether to sell these drones later if you wish. But without our soldiers, this system will not work.”
The president stressed that this issue could be addressed at the level of the Stavka of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. He also noted that Ukraine itself cannot purchase missiles without approval from the governments of the United States and European countries.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that on March 13, 2026, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders discussed financial and military support for Ukraine.
