Ukraine Pursues Long-Range Arms Deals with the US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine aims to secure additional long-range arms deals with the United States, expanding on an existing agreement worth $90 billion. This development follows a meeting Zelensky had with US President Donald Trump during the recent UN General Assembly. The announcement signals Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

A Ukrainian delegation is set to meet with US officials at the end of this month or in early October to discuss the practical implementation of the weapons purchase agreement. In his statements to reporters in Kyiv on Saturday, Zelensky indicated that the specifics of the discussions would remain confidential for now. Currently, Ukraine relies heavily on its own long-range air capabilities, primarily using drones to strike military and energy targets deep within Russian territory.

Zelensky mentioned that technical teams from both Kyiv and Washington will begin work on the details surrounding the purchase of Ukrainian drones by the US. This collaboration is expected to enhance Ukraine’s aerial capabilities further.

In addition to the arms discussions, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is scheduled to meet with US officials in October to explore potential American investment projects in Ukraine. This initiative is part of a joint investment fund that was agreed upon in the spring.

Ukraine is also collaborating with partner countries to share its developed methods for countering drone swarms, which have become a significant aspect of the Russian invasion since 2022. “We will dispatch a consulting group to some countries regarding how to counteract such steps. Some countries will send representatives to Ukraine to learn,” Zelensky stated.

In a related development, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine received a US-made Patriot air defense system from Israel a month ago, with expectations of receiving two additional systems this fall. He did not specify the source of these upcoming deliveries.

On the issue of airspace violations, Zelensky pointed out that on September 10, 2023, a total of 92 UAVs were detected heading towards Poland. Ukraine intercepted the majority of these drones, with 19 managing to reach eastern Poland. Additionally, Zelensky reported a sighting of a Hungarian drone in Ukraine this week, a claim that Hungary’s military has denied.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha shared a map on social media, purporting to illustrate the route taken by the alleged drone flight. “We are still waiting for Hungary to explain,” Sybiha remarked, highlighting the diplomatic tensions that arise from such incidents.

As Ukraine continues to navigate its complex security landscape, these forthcoming meetings with US officials and the expansion of military cooperation underscore its commitment to strengthening defense capabilities amid ongoing hostilities.