UK and Ukraine Expand Drone Collaboration as Starmer Endorses Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited United Kingdom to strengthen cooperation on drone technology, with Britain supporting Ukraine’s efforts to sell advanced drone and anti-drone systems abroad and reinforce Kyiv’s role amid shifting global focus.

Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has emerged as a global leader in drone and counter-drone technology.

The UK aims to leverage this expertise to support Gulf nations regularly targeted by Iranian attacks, including drones supplied to Russia by Iran.

UK and Ukrainian drone experts are already helping partners in the Gulf defend against Iranian attacks, according to the British government.

Zelensky noted that more than 200 Ukrainians are deployed across the Middle East and Gulf region, operating at partner requests, including from the US.

Zelensky told around 120 parliamentarians in Westminster that there were 201 Ukrainian military experts in the Middle East, with another 44 ready to deploy, and that Ukraine was "ready to offer similar deals to all our reliable partners," the BBC reported.

What the Partnership Covers

The visit focused on opportunities for joint drone sales and technology sharing with third countries.

The leaders agreed an enhanced security and defense industrial declaration that draws on Ukraine's expertise and the UK's industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and other capabilities, according to Downing Street. The long-term aim is to establish joint production lines, research and development projects and the integration of defense supply chains. The deal is the latest step in the 100-Year Partnership that Starmer and Zelensky signed in Kyiv in January 2025.

The UK also committed £500,000 to a Ukrainian AI centre to develop drone applications for battlefield use. Talks included progress on the Coalition of the Willing, aimed at sustaining sanctions pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine in case of a ceasefire.

The new AI Centre of Excellence will sit within Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, and the UK says it will also benefit from the lessons learned on the battlefield.

Starmer Warns Putin Must Not Benefit From Iran War

Keir Starmer publicly expressed backing for Zelensky, reinforcing the UK government’s commitment to Ukraine at a time when rising oil prices from the Middle East conflict have benefited Moscow.

"Putin can't be the one who benefits from a conflict in Iran, whether that's oil prices or the dropping of sanctions," Starmer said as he welcomed Zelensky to Downing Street. Zelensky warned against easing sanctions on Russian oil, saying it was "crucial" to keep up the pressure on Moscow, after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on some Russian oil to tackle surging prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, the BBC reported.

Zelensky also told MPs that Iran and Russia are "brothers in hatred," pointing out that Tehran is selling Shahed attack drones to Moscow. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was also due to visit London for discussions on Euro-Atlantic security.

Part of a Wider European Defense Push

Separately, Britain is working with Finland, the Netherlands, and other partners to establish a joint defence financing and procurement mechanism to accelerate investment, increase munitions availability, and boost global demand.

The partnership on drones underscores continued UK-Ukraine coordination on defence technology and highlights Kyiv’s strategic role in global security efforts.

The visit came as Zelensky toured European capitals to keep the war in Ukraine at the forefront of allies' minds. Clash Report has covered how Ukrainian trainers will help prepare the German army against Russia by 2029, how Starmer struck back at Trump with a "not our war" message, and the later 10-year defense plan unveiled by the outgoing prime minister.