Ukraine, Lithuania Sign Drone Deal to Boost Defense Cooperation

Ukraine and Lithuania signed a defense agreement focused on drone technology, joint production, and military cooperation under the “Drone Deal” framework. The deal aims to strengthen security capabilities and expand collaboration between the two countries’ defense industries. The move comes as Kyiv seeks to deepen European partnerships and counter ongoing threats from Russia. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda arrives at the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defense at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 6, 2025. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine and Lithuania have signed a bilateral agreement to expand defense cooperation, focusing on drone technology and military innovation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The agreement, concluded during a meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on Tuesday, is part of the so‑called “Drone Deal” framework aimed at strengthening both countries’ defense capabilities. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “The agreement should strengthen both our countries in defense, and it is important that it is built on the principle of reciprocity: we support our partners who really and tangibly support our protection,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on Telegram . Zelensky said Ukrainian military experts will work in Lithuania to help develop modern security capabilities, particularly to counter emerging threats and enhance regional defense. “We have common challenges, and we need to overcome them together,” he said. According to Ukraine’s presidential office, the agreement opens new opportunities for joint production, technology transfer, and defense manufacturing between Ukrainian and Lithuanian companies. The cooperation is expected to cover key areas including air and missile defense systems, unmanned platforms, and advanced drone technologies. Plans also include the possibility of localizing drone production in Lithuania, including long‑range strike and interception systems. Other Topics of Interest B9, Nordic Leaders Call for Increased Pressure on Russia Leaders of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries called for increased pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine during a summit in Bucharest. They reaffirmed support for Ukraine, highlighted Russia as a long‑term threat, and pledged to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses. The statement emphasized the need for greater military cooperation, security guarantees, and sustained aid to Kyiv. The leaders discussed regional security risks, including potential threats from Belarus , as well as broader European defense coordination. Earlier , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced rotational mobilization and intensified combat training to prepare the military for possible war , citing the need for readiness for a “ground operation.” In April, Belarus also issued a decree calling up reserve officers, having in March launched conscription for compulsory military service of men aged 18–27. Amid these reports, Zelensky thanked Lithuania for its continued support and reiterated the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defense amid ongoing Russian attacks. He also praised Lithuania’s backing of Ukraine’s European integration, calling for the opening of all six negotiation clusters between Kyiv and the EU . The agreement comes as Ukraine seeks to expand partnerships with European countries through similar bilateral initiatives. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.