Zelensky Announces “Drone Deal” for European Partners

Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering drones with European partners, including practices for combating the effects of Russian electronic warfare and organizing airspace defense systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement during a press conference in Kadriorg, Estonia, while answering a question from an ERR journalist.

The statement came amid the signing of a defense agreement between Ukraine and Latvia, which also provides for the sharing Ukrainian expertise in countering drones.

“Russia is trying to provoke tensions within the European Union by using drones and electronic warfare capabilities,” Zelensky said during the meeting.

As an example, he cited instances of Russian drones appearing in the airspace of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The president noted that in some cases, Russian electronic warfare systems can alter the course of Ukrainian drones.

“We understand why this is happening. If Russian drones appear over the Baltic states, that’s one thing. But if Ukrainian drones end up there, we also understand what Russia is aiming for. It can divert them from their course using electronic warfare means,” Zelensky explained.

The president noted that Ukraine already has a successful track record of cooperation with Middle Eastern countries in countering drone threats.

According to him, Ukrainian experts have traveled to countries in the region, trained local specialists, and helped implement solutions that have proven effective in practice.

“Now we are ready to do the same with our close partners in Europe,” the head of state emphasized.

Zelensky noted that such cooperation could take place within the framework of a “drone deal,” which involves not only the purchase or sale of technology but also the exchange of expertise, personnel training, and joint efforts to strengthen security.

He added that Ukraine has already begun similar cooperation with certain European partners and is ready to promptly dispatch expert teams to implement relevant projects.

The President did not disclose all the details of the future cooperation, but he cited the transfer of Ukrainian expertise as one of the key measures for strengthening European security amid the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicle use.

Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Estonia took place on June 9. During the trip, the President of Ukraine participated in a meeting of leaders from the Baltic and Northern European countries and held talks on expanding defense cooperation and sharing Ukrainian practices for countering modern air threats.