- Zelensky Signs Partnerships with Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands to Boost Joint Drone Production and Strengthen Europe’s Defense Capabilities
ANKARA: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukraine has signed three additional international drone cooperation agreements with Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands, further expanding Kyiv’s growing network of defense partnerships built on battlefield expertise gained during more than four years of war with Russia.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Zelensky said the latest accords bring the total number of Ukraine’s international drone cooperation agreements to nine, underscoring the country’s emergence as a global leader in military drone technology and modern warfare innovation.
Ukraine has transformed its defense industry since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, developing one of the world’s most advanced drone manufacturing and operational capabilities despite having only limited expertise in the sector before the war.
Announcing the agreement with Denmark, Zelensky said the partnership would significantly expand opportunities for joint defense production, technological cooperation, the exchange of military expertise and greater transparency in arms exports.
“Denmark was the first country to propose joint defense production in Ukraine,” Zelensky said, adding that it was “only fair” that Copenhagen would now gain access to Ukrainian weapons systems that have been tested under real combat conditions.
The Ukrainian leader has actively promoted similar defense partnerships during visits across Europe and the Middle East, where growing regional security concerns have increased demand for advanced drone technologies and modern air defense capabilities.
In a post on X following the opening day of the NATO summit, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to strengthen its ties with the Alliance.
“Ukraine rightfully belongs here,” he wrote, emphasizing that Kyiv’s key objectives at the summit were to secure additional air defense systems and reinforce international diplomatic support.
Zelensky again appealed to allies for enhanced protection against Russia’s continuing missile campaign, highlighting Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defense capabilities to counter ballistic missile attacks.
His appeal followed two major Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital within the past week. The latest attack on Monday killed 19 people in Kyiv and caused extensive damage, reinforcing Ukraine’s calls for increased military assistance from its Western partners.
BY: The Times Union
