Former Ukrainian minister offers the US a drone army in exchange for Patriot missiles for Kyiv

Mikhail Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defense minister, is seeking financial support from the United States to establish a defense technology fund. The aim is to finance companies developing new weapons systems.

In an interview with the Financial Times in Washington, Fedorov said he was willing to help create an American “drone army” in exchange for Patriot interceptor missiles for Ukraine. He was dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky last month.

“This is not exactly a classic investment fund. We are writing a new chapter in the history of warfare,” Fedorov said. According to him, the fund would support Ukrainian startups and encourage the creation of new companies focused on military technologies.

The first phase of investments will cover three main areas: robotic systems for use on the battlefield, high-speed interceptor drones and low-cost missiles equipped with artificial intelligence.

Fedorov said that if the conflict continues for another two or three years, these investments could produce new technologies for warfare. At the same time, investors could benefit from the experience Ukraine has gained during the conflict.

Fedorov is 35 years old and was the youngest defense minister in Ukraine’s history. However, his time in office lasted only six months, as he was dismissed amid disagreements over recruitment and the running of the army.

The former minister also said he would help the United States build a large drone force if Ukraine received Patriot systems in return.

“I would be very happy to help America create a drone army, particularly in exchange for Patriot missiles, so that we can survive this winter. I am ready to make this exchange,” he said.

Fedorov is considered one of the key figures who helped develop Ukraine’s drone industry. He has said that during his time in office he faced opposition from the military and political establishment because of his efforts to reform the procurement system.

According to him, increasing Ukraine’s long-range strikes against Russia is the most likely way to force Vladimir Putin to end the war.

“We need more drones with jet engines, cheap missiles and missiles with artificial intelligence. There is no other way to have a dialogue with Putin. He understands only force,” the former Ukrainian minister said.