Ukraine and U.S. considering a drone ‘mega deal’, Zelensky says after after talks with Trump

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are considering a deal that involves Washington buying battlefield-tested Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kyiv purchasing weapons from the U.S., Mr. Zelensky said in an interview with the New York Post.

Mr. Zelensky said his latest talks with Mr. Trump focused on a deal that would help each country bolster its aerial technology.

Ukrainian drones have been able to strike targets as deep as 800 miles (1,300 km) into Russian territory.

“The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal,” Mr. Zelensky told The Post in the interview conducted on Wednesday (July 16, 2025).

The Ukrainian leader said drones were the key tool that has allowed his country to fight off Russia’s invasion for more than three years.

“We will be ready to share this experience with America and other European partners,” he said. Ukraine was also in talks with Denmark, Norway and Germany, he said.

On Thursday, Mr. Zelensky announced unspecified future agreements with the United States which he said would strengthen his country, as he appeared in parliament to put forward his new government.

Next year’s U.S. defence and national security budget request boosts spending on small drones — in part because of lessons learned during Russia’s war in Ukraine, where unmanned aircraft have proven to be an integral part of low-cost, yet highly effective fighting.