Zelenskyy Signs Ukraine-US Deal for Joint Drone Production

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed agreements with American companies, notably Swift Beat, to jointly produce interceptor drones capable of countering Russian Shahed kamikaze drones, with plans to manufacture hundreds of thousands this year and increase production next year. This initiative coincides with Zelenskyy's visit to Denmark during its EU Council presidency, where Denmark committed to supporting Ukraine's EU integration and defense industry, including hosting Ukrainian defense manufacturing on Danish soil. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of drones in Ukraine's defense strategy, highlighting increased domestic production of interceptor and long-range strike drones to respond to Russia’s escalating drone attacks. He also announced upcoming talks with EU leaders to secure additional funding for drone production and joint ventures, aiming to maintain Ukraine's leadership in war technologies. Denmark’s Prime Minister and other European leaders expressed strong support for Ukraine’s EU membership and defense efforts, despite political blockages within the EU. Meanwhile, Germany and the UK are reported to be financing the production of Ukrainian UAVs, enhancing Ukraine’s capacity to strike targets in Russia and defend its territory.