US backs Ukraine's drone production over long-range missiles Defence chief says

The United States does not fully agree with Ukraine's demand for long-range missiles, as Kyiv possesses the capability to mass-produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of covering significant distances, according to U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Speaking in Rome, where he was travelling on an official trip, Austin was asked by reporters to comment on the U.S. decision to allocate $800 million for Ukraine's production of long-range drones, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"We have seen that Ukraine has developed the capability to mass-produce drones that are both effective and capable of covering impressive distances. And they can do this at a fraction of the cost of a ballistic missile," Austin remarked.

He further explained that "it makes sense to invest in this capability and help them scale it up, this will meet their current and future needs."

On October 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv anticipates new U.S. military aid packages totalling around $1.6 billion, with an additional $8 billion expected by the year's end. One of these packages, worth $800 million, is earmarked for Ukraine's own production of long-range weapons. 

On the same day, Austin, during a visit to Kyiv, pledged a further $400 million in military support. Since the start of President Joe Biden's administration, Washington has provided over $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Ukraine cannot carry out deep strikes on Russian territory without Western assistance, which includes satellite intelligence and flight missions.

He emphasized that NATO countries are not merely discussing Kyiv's potential use of Western long-range weapons but are actively deciding whether to become more directly involved in the conflict. Putin warned that Russia will make decisions based on the threats posed to it.

By Tamilla Hasanova