UK and Ukraine sign drone production deal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new agreement aimed at increasing Ukraine’s production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) when they met in London on Monday.

According to a statement from 10 Downing Street, the meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s office, where Starmer emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine’s armed forces with the equipment needed to push back Russian troops, as well as the need to work toward a just and lasting peace.

The leaders discussed expanding military cooperation and industrial partnerships between defence companies in both countries. They also addressed the "Volunteers Coalition" on Ukraine, agreeing that the group would meet online in the coming weeks to update its members on next steps.

Following the meeting, a new agreement was signed to support Ukraine’s drone production. The deal involves sharing battlefield technology and aims to connect the UK’s defence industry with technologies developed on Ukraine’s front lines.

Initial agreements between defence firms are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks. According to the announcement, Ukraine is set to receive a large number of combat-tested drones over the coming months and years.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said he and Starmer discussed strengthening defence cooperation, adding that the agreement would help secure stable funding for major drone projects, especially for interceptor and long-range UAVs. He said additional decisions were made on joint production and highlighted new agreements on air defence.

During his visit to London, Zelenskyy also met with King Charles III and visited UK's Parliament.

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