Zelensky says Ukraine expects to sign Drone Deal with Canada in New York later this month

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine expects to sign a so-called Drone Deal with Canada on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in late September. He made the statement to journalists after meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

According to Zelensky, the two countries took a first step toward the deal on Thursday by signing a document launching joint drone production. He said the teams had initially suggested a 90-day timeframe to finalize the full Drone Deal, but after Carney asked whether it could be done in nine days, the teams confirmed it was possible.

A third of drones for Ukraine

Canada's prime minister announced that his country would scale up drone production and transfer a third of the output to Ukraine. Zelensky stressed that this 30% share would go immediately to Ukraine, helping soldiers protect people and families.

The Ukrainian president expressed hope that a broader agreement between the two countries could be reached in New York.

Preceding meeting

Earlier, during the meeting, Carney announced Canada would allocate 350 million Canadian dollars (253 million US dollars) to purchase air defense interceptor missiles for Ukraine, and also pledged drone deliveries. On Thursday, the two leaders also signed a declaration on a 100-year partnership, envisioning raising bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.