Zelenskyy Urges NATO to Fund Drone Race Against Russia

The  ukraine drone war has emerged as a focal point of Russia's war against Ukraine, and Kyiv has been developing sophisticated weapon systems for both attacking and defending with drones. But production is curbed by financial constraints.

“The potential of our defense industry has exceeded $45 billion, and ranges across product lines from artillery to classic weapons and machinery, to all sorts of drones and missiles,” Zelenskyy said. “But there are resources available for only 40% of this potential. “Like, for example, we can make more than 8 million different kinds of drones every year, but the funding only lets us make far less.”

New Partners and Funding Commitments
Zelenskyy also appealed for NATO countries to establish new defense partnerships with Ukraine, telling the alliance it is “ready for various forms of cooperation.” He cited recent collaborations including a joint drone program with the UK and long-range missile production with Germany. Norway also promised to give nearly $642 million to aid Ukraine’s drone technology.

“We have to stay ahead of the drone race, in strike drones and intercept drones, and not to stop in the equal development of traditional armament, taking into account the experience of automation of the conduct of this long war,” Zelenskyy added.

Caveat on Russian Ambitions at Large
Zelenskyy also advised NATO leaders that Russian designs are broader than Ukraine's. NATO members also agreed Sunday to commit at least 5% of their national GDP to defense and security—a key demand for U.S. President Donald Trump. Ukraine is not a member of NATO but Zelenskyy supported that goal.

“There is no question that we must deter Putin today in Ukraine, but we have to recognize that his goal is broader than that,” he said. “Europeans are going to have to spend more on defense. 5% of GDP as the appropriate level.”

He also urged allied nations to halt companies from providing Russia with parts for use in arms, particularly drones. Most of the "key" Russian weapons "are still equipped with foreign-made components, including NATO and EU countries," Zelenskyy said.

“Every part of this cycle that sends these ’ Shahid drones and any other tools of killing to them is not just helping the war against us -- it’s a direct threat to you and to the way of life that millions in our countries value every bit as much as you do,” he said, addressing the audience.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to sit down with the U.S. President at the summit in The Hague to discuss Ukraine’s bid to buy Patriot missile systems and stiffer penalties against Russia.

U.S. General Nominee Has ‘Confidence’ in Ukraine
Separately, Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, who has been nominated to be the senior U.S. general in Europe, displayed optimism over Ukraine’s prospects for winning the war.

“I think Ukraine will be able to win,” he said at his Senate confirmation hearing. “I think if your homeland is being threatened, you fight with a tenacity we can’t even understand.”