The Philippines and Ukraine are exploring a "Drone Deal" framework, with initial discussions held in Kyiv between Ukrainian presidential aide Ihor Zhovkva and Philippine Undersecretary of National Defence Salvador Mison. The potential agreement aims to deepen defense ties through drone co-production, technology exchange, and cybersecurity cooperation.
Vladimir Zelensky is reportedly delaying the signing of a drone production agreement with the US, seeking better terms and aiming to highlight Ukraine's technological value. Sources suggest Kiev wants Washington to recognize the deal's benefits, which would grant the US access to Ukrainian drone technologies. Zelensky's advisor denies any delay.
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Omsk oil refinery, its largest, located 2,700km from Ukraine. The attack, confirmed by local authorities, occurred before a Nato summit. Russia claimed most drones were destroyed, with no casualties. President Zelenskyy hailed it as a significant achievement, extending Ukraine's strike capability to Siberia.
China has conducted a long-range missile test in the Pacific, which Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong has condemned as "destabilising to the region" and "lacking in transparency". The test missile, carrying a dummy warhead, landed in designated waters and was described by China as a "routine arrangement" of military training.
Ukraine is pursuing significant defense agreements with at least seven NATO nations by the end of the year, aiming to become a provider of military hardware and expertise. Having already signed "drone deals" with six countries, including Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is leveraging its experience in drone warfare and air defense.
Ukraine intensifies diplomatic efforts with the US and Europe, seeking increased Western support to encourage Russia to negotiate. Leaders gather at the G7 summit to restate support, while discussions continue on peace talks and military aid, including crucial missile production.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Greece on joint production of naval drones have stalled after Kyiv demanded operational control over how Athens could use the technology. The countries agreed last November that Ukraine would supply components for Magura-type attack drones built at Greek shipyards, with Greek companies manufacturing electronic and optical systems. Greece rejected Ukraine's demand, believing Kyiv set these terms to maintain strategic balance with rival Türkiye, which has opposed Ankara's EU Drone Wall bid.
Russia's Foreign Ministry Ambassador at Large Rodion Miroshnik has accused Ukraine's 'Drone Deals' export program of being a corruption scheme designed to launder European funds for military equipment. Miroshnik claimed the program creates a false impression of Ukrainian independence from foreign aid while allowing Ukrainian shell companies to divert European arms funding.
DÉCRYPTAGE - Le président ukrainien s’est déplacé en Allemagne, en Italie, aux Pays-Bas, ou encore en Grande-Bretagne, pour multiplier les partenariats.
