President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that over the next six months, Ukraine and the European Union can achieve real progress on the drone deal that Kyiv proposed to the EU, reports UNN.
Details
According to the head of state, Ukraine's experience of modern warfare is important for the security of all of Europe, particularly in the areas of air defense.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine already has a number of bilateral agreements and broader partnerships with European states that can help scale the use of Ukrainian defense technologies.
"Over the next six months, we can achieve real progress on the drone deal that Ukraine proposed to the European Union. We have also concluded a significant number of bilateral agreements and broader partnerships with European countries that can help more widely apply new Ukrainian defense technologies, including drone and counter-drone systems that are already proving their effectiveness
The head of state noted that today every country needs modern means for monitoring and protecting its own airspace and maritime borders.
"Today, every country needs modern means to at least control and protect its own airspace and maritime borders. Without Ukrainian experience and security expertise, tested by modern warfare, it is simply impossible to guarantee security today, especially when it comes to air defense and maritime security. That is why I invite all of Europe to work together as closely as possible
Context
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed work on an agreement with the EU in the Drone Deal format with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The Office of the President noted that such an agreement could cover the procurement of Ukrainian defense products, air defense, counter-drone capabilities, unmanned maritime systems, and other priority security areas.
In April 2026, after Zelenskyy's meeting with Costa and von der Leyen, the OP reported that Ukraine is offering Europe cooperation in the Drone Deal format and that the teams of Ukraine and the EU will remain in contact to work out the details. At the same time, the President of the European Commission stated that part of the EU's financial support for Ukraine should go to defense, and the first package could be a "drone" one — "drones from Ukraine for Ukraine."
In May 2026, the European Commission launched the selection of founders for the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance. The EC explained that the alliance should bring together manufacturers, innovators, startups, companies with scalable production, and end users from the EU, EEA/EFTA countries, and Ukraine to develop comprehensive capabilities in the field of drones and counter-drone systems.
The issue of drones and counter-drone systems has become one of the priorities of European defense policy against the backdrop of Russian aggression. In June 2026, the European Council emphasized the need to protect the EU's land, air, and maritime borders following repeated violations of member states' airspace, including an incident with a Russian drone in Romania.
Reminder
In June 2026, Ukraine proposed that Bulgaria conclude an agreement in the Drone Deal format. The parties agreed to intensify work on joint initiatives.