Ukraine, Netherlands Launch Joint Drone Deal

Kyiv’s latest Drone Deal success comes as the Kremlin tries to scare Europe away from supporting Ukraine. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (LtoR) Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, King’s Commissioner for Zeeland Hugo de Jonge and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a joint press conference in Middelburg on April 16, 2026. (Photo by Robin VAN LONKHUIJSEN / ANP / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google On Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten signed a joint declaration launching work on a Ukraine-Netherlands Drone Deal. The initiative provides for the joint development and production of drones, missiles, electronic warfare systems, and other defense technologies. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The cooperation will also include coordinated investment in defense infrastructure, research, and innovation. Earlier, the Netherlands announced a €248 million investment in drone production for Ukraine, with manufacturing set to take place in both countries. The deal comes amid a broader push by Kyiv to turn battlefield drone expertise gained during its fight against Russian aggression into long-term industrial partnerships. Earlier this week, Ukraine and Norway announced plans to produce Ukrainian drones on Norwegian territory following talks between Zelenskyy and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Zelenskyy’s talks in Berlin with Chancellor Friedrich Merz also produced a major defense cooperation package, including the supply of thousands of drones to Ukraine’s military. These European partnerships are further reinforced by new framework agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, signaling a broader global turn toward Ukrainian battlefield technology. On Wednesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry warned that European plans to step up drone supplies to Ukraine were dragging those countries deeper into a war with Russia. Other Topics of Interest One Killed, Eight Injured in Russian Strike on Zaporizhzhia Regional officials say Russia struck the city of Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and injuring eight, with residential buildings and infrastructure damaged in the attack. The ministry published lists of companies and facilities across Europe that it claims are supporting Ukraine’s drone industry. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev amplified the move, saying the list should be taken “literally” as a register of potential targets. Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer told Kyiv Post the warnings were aimed at scaring European governments and companies away from supporting Ukraine’s defense industry. “Given that the Russian military at this point has its hands completely full with the war in Ukraine, does Russia really want to pick a fight with NATO countries?” he asked. International interest in Ukraine’s drones is another blow to Russia, as their battlefield effectiveness is raising Russian losses and strengthening Ukraine’s resilience. Sevinj Osmanqizi is a journalist covering US foreign policy, security, and geopolitics, with a focus on the broader post-Soviet space. She reports on Washington’s decision-making and its implications for Ukraine and regional stability.