Zelensky signs drone cooperation deals with Denmark, Estonia, Netherlands

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday announced that Kyiv has signed three new drone cooperation agreements with Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands, further expanding its defence partnerships by sharing 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 deals take the total number of Ukraine’s international drone agreements to nine. He has been actively promoting such partnerships around the world, including in the Middle East, where countries have sought to strengthen their defences against Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Ukraine has transformed itself into a global leader in drone warfare since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, building a sophisticated domestic drone industry despite having limited capabilities before the conflict.

Announcing the agreement with Denmark, Zelensky said it would deepen joint defence production, facilitate the exchange of military expertise and ensure greater transparency in weapons exports. He noted that Denmark was the first country to launch joint defence production with Ukraine and said it was only fitting that Copenhagen would now gain access to Ukrainian weapons that have been battle-tested in the war.

In a post on X after the opening day of the NATO summit, Zelensky reiterated that “Ukraine rightfully belongs here” and said Kyiv’s top priorities remain securing additional air defence systems and strengthening its diplomatic position.

The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly appealed for more protection against Russian ballistic missile attacks after two recent strikes on Kyiv. A Russian assault on Monday killed 19 people in the Ukrainian capital, underscoring the urgency of Ukraine’s calls for enhanced air defences.