Zelenskyy Says “Major US Drone Deal Awaits Trump Approval”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a major US–Ukraine drone cooperation deal awaits approval from US President Donald Trump , even as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage consistent with a drone impact at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and Russia-Ukraine energy strikes intensified .

Zelenskyy said the proposed framework covers joint drone development, testing and production , allowing Ukraine to provide battlefield conditions for US firms to test air, land and sea systems. In return, Ukraine seeks access to advanced US technologies, including AI-assisted targeting and navigation , describing it as a step toward a next-generation drone ecosystem. He stressed the agreement remains pending pending Trump’s formal approval .

The IAEA reported inspectors observed damage to the turbine hall exterior at Power Unit No. 6 , including a structural hole, debris and burned optical fibre remains, stating it was consistent with a drone strike. It said radiation levels remain normal and no critical systems were affected, but requested further access inside the facility.

Russia’s Rosatom accused Ukraine of deliberately striking the plant, while Kyiv called the allegation propaganda and denied any attack.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it struck Russia’s Saratov oil refinery , causing a large fire, and also hit the Lazarevo pumping station and a fuel depot in Rostov, disrupting energy logistics. Russia reported drone attacks on Ukraine, with most intercepted, though debris caused fires in Chernihiv, Dnipro and Rivne.

Both sides reported civilian impacts, underscoring the escalation of long-range drone warfare targeting energy infrastructure . The developments highlight growing geopolitical stakes, with the proposed US–Ukraine drone deal emerging as a key strategic shift alongside ongoing battlefield exchanges.