Zelensky and Meloni promise enhanced cooperation on drones

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday that they would work to strengthen their cooperation in defense, particularly in the field of drone production, following talks in Rome.

However, no specific details were disclosed, as Mr. Zelensky indicated that teams from both countries would be responsible for resolving the details.

“We discussed at length today, especially on how to enhance our defense cooperation,” said Giorgia Meloni during a press conference.

“Italy, in particular, is very interested in developing joint production, especially in the drone sector, an area in which we know Ukraine has become a reference country in recent years,” she added.

Zelensky had also visited Berlin on Tuesday, where he announced a strategic partnership focused on defense and drones with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The conflict in the Middle East has allowed Kyiv to showcase its expertise in drones, acquired during over four years of conflict with Russia. Zelensky has consulted specialists and visited countries targeted by attacks carried out by Iran, a Moscow ally.

“Ukraine has developed a unique security agreement format that we call the Drone Deal,” said Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday.

“Our expertise, military experience, defense capabilities in drones, missiles, electronic warfare, and data exchange: we propose to combine all of this with the capabilities of our partners so that we can support each other,” he explained through an Italian interpreter.

Context: Italy and Ukraine discuss strengthening defense cooperation, particularly in drone production.
Fact Check: Ukrainian President Zelensky and Italian Prime Minister Meloni aim to enhance their defense partnership after talks in Rome.