Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Honorary Chairman Michael McCaul to discuss various aspects of defense cooperation and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Key topics included the situation on the battlefield, Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, and Ukraine's long-range retaliatory strikes, which Zelenskyy stated have created fuel shortages and economic losses in Russia. McCaul also briefed Zelenskyy on his delegation's meeting with Ukrainian sanctions experts regarding increased pressure on Russia, with his team intending to work on these developments in Washington.
Discussions also covered a future "Drone Deal" agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., aimed at bolstering defense cooperation. Zelenskyy confirmed that the U.S. is currently testing Ukrainian-made drones—including aerial and maritime types—and has provided positive feedback, marking a significant step forward for the long-anticipated partnership. This deal, previously valued by Zelenskyy at $35 billion to $50 billion, reportedly involves a 50-50 production venture with up to 200 Ukrainian companies.
The leaders also addressed the production of Patriot air defense systems. McCaul congratulated Ukraine on the successful NATO summit in Ankara, where U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to provide Ukraine with a license to build its own Patriot interceptors. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these licenses for Ukraine's security, given global Patriot shortages and intensified Russian attacks, hoping for swift implementation through Ukraine's 500 technology companies.
Zelenskyy awarded McCaul the Order of Merit, II degree, and Ron Wahid, founder and chairman of Magellan Investment Holdings, the Order of Merit, III degree, for their contributions. The meeting underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and increase pressure on Russia through sanctions and advanced military technology. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham also announced a breakthrough on a U.S. sanctions bill against Russia, supported by the Trump administration and the White House.
