Zelensky: Trump wants to buy Ukrainian-made drones, echoing Dr. Youssef’s 2023 forecast
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in purchasing Ukrainian-made drones, a development that aligns with a 2023 forecast by Dr. Mohammad Walid Youssef, president of the International Center for Geopolitical and Economic Research (ICGER), who predicted Ukraine would become a sought-after military power in Europe in a study titled: “Russia and Ukraine between Newtonian and Quantum Conditions: The Emergence of the Ukraine-Poland Pole.”
Zelensky described the changing Kyiv–Washington relationship as “mutually beneficial” during comments to Militarnyi on July 16, 2025, highlighting that both sides seek to utilize each other’s defense technologies.
“There are many drones that only we have. And we are discussing this with President Trump. I told him that I really want to buy things from you that only you have. And he replied that America wants to buy Ukrainian drones… I really want America to help us protect our skies. This is very important,” Zelensky said.[i]
In his study, Dr. Youssef suggested that due to the war, Ukraine would develop into a professional military power that other nations would want to engage with. He noted that after the conflict, countries would turn to Ukraine for military expertise, defense technology, and possibly nuclear and missile protection if Kyiv decides to establish a deterrent capability.
He observed that “Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, aimed to demobilize, disarm, and eliminate Ukraine’s nuclear expertise; however, the opposite happened. Ukraine is now set to become a significant military force with conventional—and possibly nuclear—capabilities and combat experience uncommon in Europe.”
Dr. Youssef concluded that Ukraine will shift from a nation overwhelmed by Russia. Currently, NATO hesitates to include Ukraine, and the EU refuses to offer immediate membership. Ukraine also relies on allies for tanks, such as the Abrams, Leopard, and Challenger, along with Patriot systems, HIMARS, Storm Shadow missiles, and F-16 jets, for its self-defense. However, Ukraine will become a strong country that others seek to learn from about comprehensive national defense. Ultimately, it aspires to offer protection under its nuclear and missile umbrella against Russia, China, and Iran.
[i] “US Interested in Buying Ukrainian Drones — Zelensky,” https://militarnyi.com/en/news/us-interested-in-buying-ukrainian-drones-zelensky/