Zelenskyy says Ukraine awaits White House sign-off on US drone production deal

According to the article, Ukraine is currently waiting for the White House to approve a proposed agreement regarding drone production. The agreement was proposed by Kyiv in the previous year. The article features images of an anti-air interceptor drone, designed to destroy Russian attack drones, being demonstrated by the Ukrainian company General Cherry in the Kyiv region on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The holdup in approval is impacting Ukraine's ability to produce these drones. The drones are intended to counter Russian attacks.

In March 2026, Ukraine sent drone interceptors and military personnel to Jordan following a request from the United States. The move aims to provide cheaper technology to intercept Iranian missiles and drones targeting US and Israeli assets, as well as infrastructure in the Middle East, during the US-Israel war on Tehran. The US currently uses expensive systems like Patriot missiles, but seeks more cost-effective solutions due to concerns about supply and the prevalence of Iran's inexpensive Shahed drones. Ukraine, having experience countering Shahed drones in its war with Russia, has developed cheaper interceptor drones. President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine is ready to help and has requested advanced US defense systems in return.

At the request of the U.S., Ukraine is sending a team of drone specialists and interceptor drones to Jordan to help protect U.S. military bases. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that the request was made by Washington on Thursday, and Ukraine responded by dispatching the team the following day. This assistance comes as the U.S. and Gulf states are working to intercept Iranian missiles and drones launched in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes. The use of inexpensive Iranian drones has highlighted the cost disparity compared to the expensive air defense systems used to intercept them, prompting discussion about addressing the root of the threat.

Following a US request, Ukraine sent drone interceptor experts and equipment to Jordan last week to protect US bases amid escalating tensions between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran. President Zelenskyy stated this was one of 11 requests for assistance Ukraine received from countries bordering Iran, European nations, and the US. The deployment aims to improve relations with Gulf and Middle Eastern countries while showcasing Ukraine's expertise in countering drone attacks, particularly those similar to Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones used against Ukraine. This action comes as Ukraine seeks to demonstrate its value to allies and counter the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran, with concerns that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran. Zelenskyy has also been in contact with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern nations to coordinate security efforts.

In March 2026, amid escalating conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, the US requested Ukraine's assistance in defending Middle Eastern allies against Iranian drone attacks. The US is currently using expensive systems like Patriot missiles to intercept Iranian drones, raising concerns about cost and supply. Ukraine, having experience countering Iranian Shahed drones used by Russia, could offer its defensive technology to Gulf states. President Zelenskyy has proposed a technology exchange, offering Ukrainian drone defense in return for advanced US defensive systems for use against Russia. The conflict began 10 days prior with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation against Israel, US assets, and infrastructure in several Middle Eastern countries.