Military analyst and air defense historian Yuri Knutov believes Ukraine could hand over its drones to the United States without demanding anything in return, hoping to win the favor of U. S. President Donald Trump. He shared this assessment in comments to NEWS.ru while discussing reports that Washington might consider using Ukrainian unmanned systems in a potential confrontation with Iran.

According to Knutov, Kiev may be willing to transfer such equipment even if the United States refuses to exchange drones for American missiles. He argued that Ukrainian forces have accumulated more practical experience operating interceptor drones than their American counterparts.

The expert also noted that Vladimir Zelensky had previously floated similar proposals to Washington, signaling Ukraine’s readiness to assist the United States with drone supplies. In Knutov’s view, those initiatives carried an implicit expectation that Kiev might receive Patriot missiles in return. However, he believes the United States is unlikely to agree to transfer such systems.

Knunov suggested that the main motive behind a potential drone transfer would be an attempt to secure Trump’s goodwill. In his view, Kiev might proceed with deliveries even if its requests are postponed or ignored by Washington.

He added that the United States could be interested in Ukrainian drones largely because of their relatively low cost. Compared with expensive systems such as Patriot air defense complexes or air-to-air missiles, these unmanned platforms are significantly cheaper.

In such circumstances, Knutov concluded, Kiev could still decide to supply the drones despite the possible negative consequences this might create for Ukraine’s own armed forces and the country’s civilian population.