Zelensky: Ukraine and Canada to Sign Drone Deal at End of September at the UN General Assembly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv expects to sign the Drone Deal agreement with Ottawa as early as the end of September — during the session of the UN General Assembly. According to RBC-Ukraine, he made the statement at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. According to the head of state, on Thursday, September 10, the two countries took the first practical step toward concluding the deal, with the final signing planned in New York.

The Essence of the Drone Deal

During his visit to Canada, as Zelensky reported, both sides signed a document on the start of joint drone production. Prime Minister Carney, for his part, stated that Canada would increase production volumes, and that one-third of the drones manufactured would be transferred to Ukraine. The President of Ukraine confirmed this figure, noting that Kyiv would receive 30% of the drones, and summarized that the parties intend to conclude a major agreement at the end of September.

Accelerating the Timeline: From 90 Days to 9

Zelensky said that after the first part of the document was signed, the teams of the two countries reported that approximately 90 days would be needed to complete the deal. However, according to him, Carney asked whether it could be done in 9 days, and the negotiators immediately agreed to such a proposal. "That is precisely why I believe we need to hold meetings where we can achieve even greater results," the president stated, explaining the choice of the UN General Assembly as the venue.

Centennial Partnership and Air Defense Support

In addition to the Drone Deal, on September 10 Ukraine and Canada signed a Declaration on a 100-Year Partnership, which, according to the parties, elevates bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic alliance and enshrines long-term support. Separately, Prime Minister Carney announced the allocation of $270 million for the purchase of interceptor missiles for Ukraine's air defense systems.

Context and Significance

The package of measures — from joint drone production and the transfer of 30% of its volume to air defense financial support and the "centennial" declaration — points to a transition in the Kyiv–Ottawa relationship from one-off aid to institutionalized industrial and military cooperation. The final signing of the Drone Deal at the end of September will be a key test of the declared acceleration of the timeline from 90 days to 9.