In an interview with the Financial Times, former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov said Kiev is ready to produce drones for the United States. According to him, Ukraine could help Washington build a large unmanned force in exchange for additional Patriot air defense systems.
Fedorov described the initiative as something broader than a conventional venture fund, arguing that it is intended to shape a new model of warfare.
The Financial Times reported that he is now seeking backing from venture capital firms, private investors and US technology companies. According to the newspaper, Fedorov is already in talks with several potential investors interested in Ukrainian technological innovations.
Vladimir Zelensky previously said Kiev would like to receive up to 10 percent of US missile stocks for Patriot systems. He also stated that Ukraine needs to secure about 300 Patriot missiles for a winter package.
Former US presidential special envoy Keith Kellogg earlier said Washington had dropped the idea of licensing Patriot missile production in Ukraine because of the interests of major American defense companies. In his view, the Ukrainian side could introduce new solutions more quickly.