President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Ukraine has the potential to flood the skies with 8 million drones yearly, however it would want funding.
During the NATO summit on June 24, 2025, the Ukrainian president acknowledged {that a} important funding shortfall have to be urgently addressed to counter Russia’s increasing navy community.
“Our defence manufacturing potential has surpassed $35 billion. This contains almost 1,000 sorts of merchandise, however round 40% of those probably lack correct funding. For instance, we are able to produce over 8 million drones of various sorts annually, however the financing permits for a lot fewer,” Zelenskyy mentioned.
Zelensky made the remarks throughout his speech on the NATO Defence Industry Forum in The Hague.
Ukraine Could Flood Skies with 8 Million Drones
He identified that whereas Ukraine faces funding challenges, Russia is fuelling its defence efforts not solely by means of oil earnings but in addition with help from allies like North Korea and Iran.
“At the identical time, Russia makes use of not solely its oil revenues for defence, but in addition the sources of regimes equivalent to North Korea and Iran, in addition to Russia’s corrupt connections in different nations. Therefore, our united solidarity is the most effective response to Russia’s navy community,” Zelenskyy added.
President Zelensky referred to as on Ukraine’s allies to spice up funding for collaborative weapons manufacturing, with a give attention to drones, artillery, and air defence programs.
Stating that Ukraine’s defence efforts usually are not nearly defending its borders, but in addition about reinforcing NATO’s long-term safety.
He careworn the significance of dominating the battlefield with superior drone programs — each offensive and defensive — and appealed for larger funding in Ukraine’s defence sector, noting that each weapon produced contributes to a extra resilient and safe Europe.
Zelenskyy Meets Netherlands
Posting on X, Zelensky described the Netherlands as a trusted accomplice and one among Europe’s main contributors of navy assist to Ukraine.
In a one-on-one assembly with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, they explored methods to scale up their joint efforts and construct on current progress.
“First: joint drone manufacturing – in Ukraine and the Netherlands. Second: air defence procurement. Third: a brand new defence bundle that features precisely what’s going to assist counter swarms of Russian Iranian “shaheds”. Thank you for the readiness to work throughout all these areas,” he mentioned.
They additionally mentioned sanctions, Ukraine’s path to European integration, and the significance of sustaining unity throughout the European Union.
UK to Help Zelenskyy with 100,000 Drones
The United Kingdom (UK) pledged to produce 100,000 drones to Ukraine by the top of the present monetary yr in April 2026, after a Russian Airfield was attacked.
Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, that the transfer displays the United Kingdom’s deepening dedication to Ukraine’s defence, together with a serious milestone within the supply of important artillery ammunition.
“The UK is stepping up its help for Ukraine by delivering tons of of 1000’s extra drones this yr and finishing a serious milestone within the supply of important artillery ammunition,” Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned in an announcement.
