UK declares joint drone-manufacturing with Ukraine

(MENAFN) The UK has announced a new collaboration with Ukraine to jointly produce military drones. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking in London after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, called the agreement a “first of its kind” and a “major advancement” in military support for Kiev. Zelensky described the partnership as “historic.”

While specific details were not revealed, both leaders indicated that Ukrainian defense manufacturers will benefit from British battlefield technology. Zelensky, who was visiting the UK for meetings and a Chatham House event, mentioned the production of “long-range drones.” One such kamikaze drone reportedly struck a residential building near Moscow early Tuesday.

Russia has accused the UK of actively supporting Ukraine’s drone operations, especially naval attacks on Crimea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Britain is fully involved in Ukrainian intelligence efforts, some of which Moscow labels as terrorism. Lavrov said that while the operations are carried out by Ukraine, they would not be possible without British assistance.

Since 2022, British troops have been present in Ukraine, according to reports, playing a crucial role in deploying advanced missiles such as the French-British Storm Shadow cruise missiles supplied to Kiev. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other Western officials have referred to the Ukrainian military as “our proxies” in the conflict.

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