Ukraine ready to sign landmark drone defense deal with U.S., sources say

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned on Tuesday that Russia is preparing a major new attack on Ukraine, stating this during a meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Zelenskiy, speaking via Telegram, shared intelligence suggesting Russia is preparing a significant assault. He emphasized that Ukraine is continuously coordinating with allies to enhance its anti-aircraft defenses.

The Ukrainian leader underscored that discussions of easing sanctions against Russia are impossible while Ukrainians grapple daily with the threat of missile and drone assaults. Russian forces have historically conducted large-scale nighttime drone and missile attacks, but have recently shifted tactics to launch continuous daytime barrages.

Furthermore, Moscow has recently introduced jet-powered drones that fly at higher altitudes, evading air defenses and causing widespread disruption to businesses, government operations, and daily life across a much larger geographical area than previously experienced in the 4½-year conflict. While in New York, Zelenskiy engaged with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss potential avenues for ending the war, including a bilateral ceasefire focused on energy-related targets.

Russian forces are currently making slow advances through eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, though the front line has remained largely unchanged for many months. Ukrainian forces have escalated air strikes against Russian targets, particularly in the oil sector, from distances up to 3,000 km (1,800 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Zelenskiy commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the Russian president is neither winning nor losing the war, but he feels no obligation to engage in direct negotiations to resolve the conflict. Zelenskiy noted that the battlefield situation is unfavorable for Putin, as human losses are accumulating for him, yet his society is also suffering due to casualties.