A handshake between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly has set in motion a new, powerful phase of military cooperation. Zelensky has since confirmed that the meeting resulted in an agreement to pursue the purchase of long-range weapons, a game-changing addition to Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The new deal, which will be layered on top of an existing $90 billion aid package, focuses on enhancing Ukraine’s ability to project power. While Zelensky did not disclose the specific systems under consideration, the term “long-range” typically refers to missiles like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or similar platforms capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometers away. A Ukrainian delegation is now tasked with finalizing the technical details in Washington.
A particularly interesting component of the agreement is the burgeoning technology partnership. The US is not just a seller in this relationship; it’s also a potential buyer. Zelensky announced that talks would begin for the US to acquire Ukrainian drones, which have proven their mettle in combat. This signifies a high level of respect for Ukraine’s defense innovation.
Furthermore, Ukraine is ready to share its tactical knowledge. Zelensky spoke of plans to send a consulting group to allied nations to teach them how to defend against swarms of drones, a tactic that has become a hallmark of the current conflict. This knowledge sharing positions Ukraine as a valuable strategic partner.
As these future-oriented plans take shape, Ukraine’s immediate defensive posture is also improving. The country recently received a US-made Patriot air defense system from Israel and is expecting two more in the coming months. This blend of acquiring immediate defensive assets while securing future offensive power was the key outcome of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.