August M
A new Ukrainian defence initiative has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow.
Officials in Russia are questioning the purpose and transparency of the programme.
According to TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik claimed that Ukraine’s “Drone Deals” project is a mechanism for misusing European funds allocated for military support.
The initiative, announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky, is intended to expand cooperation with partner countries on the production and supply of drones and other defence technologies.
Moscow’s claims
Miroshnik alleged the programme is designed to channel financial support in ways that lack transparency.
“This latest gimmick that being so much hyped up by [Vladimir] Zelensky, with the grandiose name ‘Drone Deals’, is most likely a corruption scheme invented by the European backers of the Ukrainian project to launder European funds for military equipment,” he told TASS.
He also suggested the initiative is aimed at portraying Ukraine as more self-reliant in defence production.
Programme details
Zelensky previously described the project as a “special cooperation format” with allied countries.
It includes agreements covering the production and supply of drones, missiles, ammunition, military vehicles and related software integration.
The plan is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to strengthen its defence capabilities and deepen ties with international partners.
Competing narratives
Miroshnik further claimed that intermediary companies could be used to redirect funds.
“Secondly, Ukrainian shell companies can be inserted into the chains for using the colossal sums of money recently allocated by Europe for arms, and some of the funds can be returned as a ‘token of gratitude’ to those leaders, who are so vocal in advocating for the allocation of ever-increasing funds, both for arming Europe and for arming the Kiev regime,” he said.
No evidence supporting these claims was presented in the report.
Wider context
The criticism comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides promoting competing narratives about military support and international cooperation.
Analysts say such statements reflect broader information battles alongside the conflict on the ground.
Sources: TASS
