In a significant development, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with a prominent American firm to co-produce drones, including interceptors.
This move is part of Kyiv's strategy to bolster its defense capabilities amidst escalating Russian aerial assaults and diminishing backing from the Trump administration.
"An agreement has been signed with the strong American company Swift Beat," Zelenskyy announced on his official Telegram channel during a visit to Denmark on July 3. "We are talking about hundreds of thousands of drones already this year and the possibility of significantly scaling up production next year."
As reported by American Military News, Swift Beat, established by former Google CEO Eric Schmitt, participated in a signing ceremony alongside Zelenskyy and Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
This announcement coincides with a report from the Financial Times indicating that Zelenskyy is scheduled for a phone conversation with President Donald Trump on July 4. The dialogue is anticipated to address Washington's alleged suspension of crucial weapons shipments to Ukraine. Sources privy to the situation informed the newspaper that the suspension impacts Patriot interceptor missiles, Stinger MANPADS, precision artillery shells, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and AIM-series air-to-air missiles.
In parallel, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump were also slated for a phone call on July 3, marking their first publicly disclosed conversation in over two weeks. While Ukraine's Defense Ministry has not received formal notifications from Washington regarding alterations to defense aid, it has requested a discussion with U.S. officials "to clarify details." Kyiv expressed its apprehensions by summoning John Hinkel, the top U.S. diplomat in Kyiv, on July 2.
The potential reduction in U.S. support has alarmed European allies. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized that Ukraine "cannot do without partner support in the short term" and advocated for a "measured but firm" approach to maintaining aid.
Poland's defense chief, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, labeled Washington's decision as "regrettable" and underscored that aiding Ukraine aligns with "Poland's national interest." Conversely, the Kremlin welcomed the reports, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, "The fewer weapons sent to Ukraine, the sooner the special military operation will end."
Zelenskyy's visit to Denmark aims to further discussions on joint defense production and other initiatives to enhance Ukraine's resilience against Russian aggression. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen remarked, "It's a serious setback for Ukraine, for Europe, and for NATO if the U.S. scales back on support for Kyiv." She further expressed skepticism about Putin's intentions, stating, "I see no sign that Putin wants peace and I do not trust for a second that Putin intends to stop with Ukraine."
While the White House and Zelenskyy's office have not officially confirmed the timing of the call with President Trump, the Financial Times noted that the schedule could still change. This evolving situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the critical importance of steadfast support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle.
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