Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US Olha Stefanishyna said Wednesday’s meeting in Ankara sent “several important strategic signals” about deepening US-Ukraine defense cooperation, including on Patriot missile capabilities, drone technology and joint production.
The comments came after talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, where air defense remained Kyiv’s top priority amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks.
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“The readiness to cooperate on Patriot missile capabilities and move forward on drone deal reflects a shared understanding that our security cooperation is in the strategic interests of both countries,” Stefanishyna said.
She said stronger cooperation through joint production and licensing could accelerate the delivery of urgently needed weapons, while also helping the US maintain its global leadership in defense technology.
“At the same time, it will free up US defense capacity to backfill and modernize US forces while meeting urgent foreign demand,” the ambassador added.
Ukraine has repeatedly pressed Washington for more Patriot systems and interceptors, which are critical to defending cities and infrastructure from Russian ballistic missile attacks. Kyiv has also pushed for expanded licensing and production arrangements that would allow Ukraine to build more Western-designed weapons at scale.
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Stefanishyna said Ukraine had already proven it could be a serious industrial and technological partner for the US.
“Ukraine proved itself as a partner: with talented engineers, innovative minds, and a resilient defense industry, Ukraine can develop and produce even the most sophisticated defense technologies,” she said. “And we have always wanted the US to be our main partner in this.”
She argued that Ukraine’s battlefield experience, rapidly advancing drone sector and defense-industrial capacity could strengthen not only Ukraine’s own security, but also broader collective defense.
“Our technologies, expertise, and battlefield experience can significantly contribute to collective security,” Stefanishyna said.
The remarks followed Trump’s statement in Ankara that the US would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense capabilities under license, a potentially significant step for Kyiv’s long-term air defense strategy. Trump also signaled interest in cooperation with Ukraine on drones, as Kyiv has become one of the world’s most battle-tested developers of unmanned systems during Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Stefanishyna linked the defense discussions to broader diplomatic efforts, saying that diplomacy must be backed by the weapons Ukraine needs now.
“As we work together on this, it’s crucial that Ukraine gets the means – antiballistic missiles – to protect its people and critical infrastructure today,” the ambassador said.
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