Zelenskyy and the US Sign First Drone Deal Documents: Drone Testing in America and $8 Billion Under the PURL Program

Ukraine and the US Move to Practical Implementation of the Drone Deal

Cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the field of unmanned systems is entering a new phase. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting with the US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, announced that the parties have already signed the first documents under the Drone Deal agreement. This opens the possibility of sending Ukrainian drones to the US for testing, which will be an important step in integrating technologies and standards.

PURL Program: $8 Billion and European Funding

During the conversation, Zelenskyy thanked Whitaker for his involvement in implementing the PURL program, aimed at helping Ukraine defend its skies. The US Ambassador to NATO clarified that the program was launched at the initiative of US President Donald Trump. To date, its volume has nearly reached $8 billion. According to Whitaker, this is American equipment paid for with European funds, and the program should continue to develop to provide even greater support to Ukraine.

NATO Summit in Ankara Results: Patriot Licensing

Zelenskyy and Whitaker discussed the results of the NATO summit in Ankara. One of the key outcomes was the decision to strengthen the defense of Ukraine's skies and their practical implementation. In particular, this refers to the agreement on licensing the production of missiles for Patriot systems. The President of Ukraine emphasized that the summit was successful and expressed gratitude to the US for significant support.

New Format of Partnership with the EU

On July 15, Ukraine and the European Union launched a new format of defense partnership, which will become the basis for the future Drone Deal agreement. This document paves the way for deepening cooperation in the field of drone production. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that after implementing the Drone Deal, the EU could extend this model of interaction to other types of weapons, including missiles and air defense systems.

Awarding General Bazsuzaard

During the meeting, the President of Ukraine awarded the Order of Merit, III degree, to the Commander of the NATO Special Mission for Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine and the Security Assistance Mission Group, Lieutenant General Curtis Bazsuzaard. Zelenskyy thanked him for supporting Ukraine during a difficult period.