Ukraine Upbeat About New Security Partnership Model, Drone Expertise – Envoy

Ukraine has expressed optimism about its capabilities and self-reliance in air defence, unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies to support international stability and collective security.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, said his country had developed strong expertise in air defence, protection of critical infrastructure, and crisis response, making it one of the world’s leading players in the use of unmanned systems and counter-drone operations following the four years of war with Russia.

“Ukraine is now one of the key global players in the use of unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies, making it a highly desirable partner and ally,” he said.

The envoy said further that Ukraine is ready to share this practical experience with partner countries, not as a means of influence, but as a contribution to collective peace, security, and regional stability.

He explained that this experience has been reinforced by the rapid growth of Ukraine’s defence-industrial complex, which, under the pressure of war, has undergone what he described as an industrial breakthrough.

Production volumes, he said, have increased significantly. At the same time, hundreds of companies have emerged to form an innovation-driven ecosystem focused on unmanned systems, electronic warfare, precision weaponry, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

“In several sectors, production capacity already exceeds domestic demand, creating opportunities to expand international cooperation and exports,” he noted.

Kholostenko noted that in response to modern security challenges, Ukraine is introducing what it calls the “Drone Deal,” a new model of defence cooperation that goes beyond conventional arms sales.

He described the initiative as a comprehensive, turnkey security solution rather than fragmented military supplies.

The package includes air defence systems, interceptor drones, technologies for countering mass attacks, electronic warfare systems, analytical and technological support, personnel training, and the transfer of real battlefield experience.

“This approach enables partners not merely to acquire individual tools, but to build an integrated security system tailored to modern threats,” he said.

The ambassador stressed that Ukrainian technologies are not theoretical concepts but systems tested and refined under the conditions of high-intensity warfare. He pointed to Ukrainian interceptor drones, maritime unmanned platforms, and electronic warfare systems as examples of innovations that have proven effective against threats ranging from mass drone attacks to strikes on critical infrastructure.

He said Ukraine’s ability to adapt rapidly and scale solutions gives its defence technologies a unique competitive advantage on the global stage.

At the same time, Kholostenko emphasised that Ukraine maintains a responsible and transparent policy on defence exports, with the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine remaining the top priority.

He said exports are carried out only to partner countries that respect international law and do not maintain ties with Russia, which Ukraine considers the aggressor state. Strict control and coordination mechanisms, he added, are in place to ensure secure use of the technologies and prevent their transfer to hostile actors.

Ukraine, he disclosed, is already expanding long-term defence cooperation with countries across the Middle East, the Gulf region, Europe, and other parts of the world. These partnerships include joint production facilities, investment in emerging technologies, and broader security collaboration.

Such arrangements, he said, not only strengthen defence capabilities but also promote economic development and technology exchange.

Kholostenko contrasted Ukraine’s approach with Russia’s, arguing that, unlike Moscow, Kyiv does not seek military influence or destabilisation in Africa, Europe, or the Middle East.

“While the Kremlin continues to fuel conflicts and instability, Ukraine offers a fundamentally different model—one based on mutually beneficial partnership, trade, and practical support in strengthening defence capabilities,” he said.

He added that Ukraine sees itself as a reliable and transparent security partner, whose cooperation is free of hidden conditions or political manipulation.

“Our partnerships empower rather than create dependency. They generate opportunities, not constraints,” he stated.

The ambassador said Ukraine’s broader vision is to help shape a new international security architecture built on shared interests, mutual respect, practical cooperation, and the exchange of real experience.

He maintained that sustainable peace and long-term stability can only be achieved through responsible partnership and collaborative action.

“This is precisely the approach Ukraine offers to its international partners today,” he said.