Zelensky Hopes US Will Buy Up to $30 Billion Worth of Ukrainian Drones
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President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he has asked officials to draft a contract for the sale of Ukrainian drones to the United States, per a local outlet.
Zelensky and President Donald Trump spoke in July about a "mega deal" between the two nations where the U.S would purchase Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kyiv purchasing other American weapons, the Ukrainian leader told the New York Post at the time.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday, Zelensky said the U.S. could be purchasing between $10 to $30 billion worth of drones, reported Interfax Ukraine.
Newsweek has contacted the State Department via email for comment.
Main: A woman near a window of an apartment block damaged in a reported Ukrainian drone attack on Vernadsky Avenue in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Inset: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at a...
Main: A woman near a window of an apartment block damaged in a reported Ukrainian drone attack on Vernadsky Avenue in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Inset: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at a news conference during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10, 2025. More
Uncredited/Main: AP Photo. Inset: Kyodo via AP Images
Why It Matters
Trump and Zelensky have had a rocky diplomatic relationship which was on display during their very public spat in the Oval Office in February. Trump, who has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his stance in U.S.-led peace talks, recently said the U.S. would send more weapons to Ukraine, a reversal from previous declarations.
What To Know
Zelensky has tasked Ukrainian Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Presidential Adviser for Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshin, to create contracts for drone sales to the U.S, per Interfax Ukraine.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have evolved from supplemental tools into essential weapons in the Ukraine-Russia war, redefining modern combat on both strategic and tactical levels. Initially used for reconnaissance, drones now execute precision strikes, destroy armored vehicles, and provide real-time battlefield intelligence.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry says drone strikes are now responsible for up to 80 percent of Russian battlefield casualties.
In July, Moscow faced Ukrainian drone attacks for five nights in a row, the city's mayor said, which disrupted flight paths from the city's airports.
Russia has also been stepping up its drone production as it continues to bombard Ukrainian infrastructure and use the devices on the battlefield.
In July, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) agency said it had revealed a new drone intended for Russia's war effort—similar to the Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone, although much smaller—included components from a Chinese firm. China has denied being involved in Russian weapons supplies in the past.
A manufacturer demonstrates a Ukrainian made drone at a Ukraine Defense Innovations exhibition for military clients on an undisclosed location in Ukraine, Friday, April 11, 2025.
A manufacturer demonstrates a Ukrainian made drone at a Ukraine Defense Innovations exhibition for military clients on an undisclosed location in Ukraine, Friday, April 11, 2025.
Efrem Lukatsky, File/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on July 24, per Interfax Ukraine: "Next, with America, with President Trump, we agreed that they would buy drones from us. There is such an agreement. I set the task to Umerov, Shmyhal and Kamyshin. They will do it. It is very important to prepare this agreement, a serious contract for $10-20-30 billion."
"There are many drones that only we have. And we're discussing that with President Trump. I told him that I really want to buy things from you that only you have. He told me that America wants to buy Ukrainian drones... I really want America to help us protect our skies. This is very important," he added.
What Happens Next
Zelensky's statement says the deal is still being discussed.
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