Ukraine signed a significant cope with U.S. firm Swift Beat to co-produce a whole bunch of hundreds of drones this yr, President Volodymyr Zelensky introduced on July 3 throughout his go to to Denmark.
The long-term strategic partnership settlement was signed by Ukraine's Protection Minister Rustem Umerov and Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Swift Beat, in Denmark on the identical day.
Below the deal, the corporate will produce numerous sorts of unmanned aerial autos for Ukraine, together with these designed to intercept Russian drones and missiles, reconnaissance, assault, and different drones, Zelensky mentioned in a press release printed on the web site of the President's Workplace.
"The important thing precedence is interceptor drones which have already confirmed efficient in Ukraine," Zelensky mentioned. "We've examined fashions from a number of firms, and now we're signing critical contracts."
Swift Beat will enhance its manufacturing capability, aiming to provide a whole bunch of hundreds of drones for Ukraine this yr, with plans to scale up manufacturing in 2026, in response to Zelensky.
"Fashionable drones will likely be provided to Ukraine as a precedence, on particular phrases and at value," Zelensky mentioned.
The announcement comes only a day after the U.S. Protection Division (DOD) has halted shipments of some air protection missiles and different weapons beforehand promised to Kyiv. Ukraine has been making an attempt to barter shopping for U.S. weapons for months after U.S. President Donald Trump, who has opposed army help to Kyiv, took workplace in January.
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Swift Beat has a big presence in Ukraine, in response to Zelensky's workplace. It focuses on autonomous AI-powered drones and cooperates with Ukrainian engineers and the army, conducting drone testing on Ukrainian territory, the assertion reads.
Zelensky arrived in Denmark on July 3 to mark the nation's assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Zelensky additionally mentioned that in his go to, he plans to boost the problem of political blockages hindering Ukraine's path to becoming a member of the European Union.
"We're able to open three accession clusters and wish to begin with one now, within the very close to future. However political blockages stay, purely political," he mentioned.
Whereas EU member states agreed to consider the European Fee's evaluation that Ukraine is able to open the primary, Fundamentals cluster, the method stays stalled resulting from Hungary's refusal to grant unanimous assist.
Ukraine utilized for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate standing shortly thereafter, however full negotiations require the approval of all 27 EU member states.
Denmark has been a key backer of Ukraine for the reason that begin of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. In February 2024, Copenhagen signed a 10-year bilateral safety settlement with Kyiv, pledging long-term protection cooperation till Ukraine secures NATO membership.
Zelensky mentioned he expects Denmark to increase its monetary assist for Ukraine's drone and missile manufacturing initiatives.
"What we've simply signed requires important funding. I'm relying on our relationship with Denmark," the president mentioned.
The Ukrainian president will even take part in official occasions commemorating Denmark's presidency of the Council. In response to Danish broadcaster DR, the occasions will likely be attended by Denmark's royal household, authorities officers, and EU leaders.
The Kyiv IndependentVolodymyr Ivanyshyn