Ukraine-US drone deal advances to US testing stage

A Ukrainian drone-deal continues to progress as the US moves to select and test Ukrainian drone prototypes on its soil, with Rustem Umerov steering the initiative and Kyiv signaling that the ball is now in the United States’ court. Ukraine has already signed nine agreements under the Drone Deals program and is pursuing additional international accords, including plans for a large Ukrainian factory on US soil. Zelenskyy stated that the US has informed Kyiv about recent meetings in Moscow and credited Washington with maintaining a realistic, coordinated approach toward ending the war, while reaffirming Ukraine’s aim for a peaceful outcome. In parallel, CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly visited Moscow to convey a grim assessment of Russia’s military and economic situation and urged consideration of ending the conflict, a move described as part of ongoing high-level engagement between the US and Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized ongoing close contact with the American side to secure positive steps toward peace, amid the broader context of these high-stakes talks.