President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Ukraine has the potential to flood the skies with 8 million drones annually, but it will need funding.
During the NATO summit on June 24, 2025, the Ukrainian president stated that a critical funding shortfall must be urgently addressed to counter Russia’s expanding military network.
“Our defence production potential has surpassed $35 billion. This includes nearly 1,000 types of products, but around 40% of these potentially lack proper funding. For example, we can produce over 8 million drones of different types each year, but the financing allows for far fewer,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelensky made the remarks during his speech at the NATO Defence Industry Forum in The Hague.
Ukraine Could Flood Skies with 8 Million Drones
He pointed out that while Ukraine faces funding challenges, Russia is fuelling its defence efforts not only through oil profits but also with support from allies like North Korea and Iran.
“At the same time, Russia uses not only its oil revenues for defence, but also the resources of regimes such as North Korea and Iran, as well as Russia’s corrupt connections in other countries. Therefore, our united solidarity is the best response to Russia’s military network,” Zelenskyy added.
President Zelensky called on Ukraine’s allies to boost funding for collaborative weapons manufacturing, with a focus on drones, artillery, and air defence systems.
Stating that Ukraine’s defence efforts are not just about protecting its borders, but also about reinforcing NATO’s long-term security.
He stressed the importance of dominating the battlefield with advanced drone systems — both offensive and defensive — and appealed for greater investment in Ukraine’s defence sector, noting that every weapon produced contributes to a more resilient and secure Europe.
Also Read: Putin Retaliates Days After UK Promised Ukraine 100,000 Drones
Zelenskyy Meets Netherlands
Posting on X, Zelensky described the Netherlands as a trusted partner and one of Europe’s leading contributors of military aid to Ukraine.
In a one-on-one meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, they explored ways to scale up their joint efforts and build on existing progress.
“First: joint drone production – in Ukraine and the Netherlands. Second: air defence procurement. Third: a new defence package that includes exactly what will help counter swarms of Russian Iranian “shaheds”. Thank you for the readiness to work across all these areas,” he said.
They also discussed sanctions, Ukraine’s path to European integration, and the importance of maintaining unity within the European Union.
Also Read: Russia Plans to Seize Half of Ukraine by 2026
UK to Help Zelenskyy with 100,000 Drones
The United Kingdom (UK) pledged to supply 100,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of the current financial year in April 2026, after a Russian Airfield was attacked.
Defence Secretary John Healey said on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, that the move reflects the United Kingdom’s deepening commitment to Ukraine’s defence, including a major milestone in the delivery of critical artillery ammunition.
“The UK is stepping up its support for Ukraine by delivering hundreds of thousands more drones this year and completing a major milestone in the delivery of critical artillery ammunition,” Defence Secretary John Healey said in a statement.
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