Drone diplomacy wins Ukraine valuable allies, but now it must deliver
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has used Ukraine's expertise in drone warfare to secure defense and diplomatic agreements with European and Middle Eastern nations, positioning Ukraine as a valuable security partner amid concerns over unreliable U.S. support. Despite growing demand for Ukrainian drone technology, export controls and limited production capacity are hindering delivery. Ukraine's success lies in tactical innovation and operator skill rather than advanced technology, and it faces challenges from faster jet-powered drones and potential erosion of its competitive edge. The country aims to leverage drone diplomacy for energy deals, agricultural exports, and European missile defense cooperation.
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Drone diplomacy wins Ukraine valuable allies, but now it must deliverSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 28, 2026, 10:08 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 10:23 PMListenKYIV, April 28 - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has leveraged Ukraine's expertise in drone warfare into a series of successful diplomatic deals during visits to the Middle East and Europe, showcasing how Kyiv is using military prowess to boost its diplomatic clout.This month alone, Ukraine has signed defence and drone deals in Germany, Norway and the Netherlands, following long-term security partnerships with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in late March.Zelenskiy has in recent weeks also agreed security cooperation with Turkey and Syria, and signed agreements at the weekend with…
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