A high-level Ukrainian delegation is preparing to travel to Washington to finalize a major new weapons agreement with the United States. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the visit, scheduled for the end of September or early October, is for the “practical implementation” of a deal to purchase long-range arms, which he agreed upon with US President Donald Trump.
These technical meetings will be the critical next step in translating a high-level political understanding into a tangible flow of military hardware. The delegation will be tasked with negotiating the specifics of the contracts, including the types of long-range systems to be supplied, the quantity, and the delivery schedules. This initiative goes beyond the scope of an existing $90 billion aid framework.
The focus on long-range weaponry is a strategic priority for Kyiv. It aims to enhance its ability to conduct precision strikes against critical Russian military targets, a role currently filled primarily by its domestic drone fleet. The addition of American missile systems would provide a more powerful and reliable means of achieving these objectives.
In a sign of the deepening partnership, the talks in Washington will also cover the potential US acquisition of Ukrainian-made drones. According to Zelensky, technical teams will explore this possibility, a move that recognizes Ukraine’s significant achievements in developing and deploying effective unmanned aerial vehicles in combat.
This diplomatic and military effort is complemented by economic outreach, with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko set to visit the US in October to discuss investment. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defensive capabilities have been recently strengthened by the delivery of a US-made Patriot air defense system from Israel, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the international support it is receiving.