Zelensky: Russia Not Preparing to End War, Plans $12 Billion Drone Spending in 2027

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an evening address that Russia shows no signs of preparing to end its war against Ukraine and is instead scaling up military spending dramatically.

"Obviously, Russians are not preparing to stop the war. At least not now. Putin constantly finds some excuse not to meet, not to create a tripartite format, not to talk, not to end and stop these killings. For years he has had the same approach, and all our partners feel this. He is looking for reasons to wage war," Zelensky said.

Russia's $12 Billion Drone Budget

The Ukrainian president cited intelligence assessments indicating that Russia plans to spend $12 billion in 2027 on the production of reactive drones and loitering munitions alone — a figure that affects not only Ukraine but potentially other regions. "Of course, this is not only about Ukraine," he noted.

Zelensky added that the US and Ukraine share the same assessment of the situation, and that pressure on Russia — including the Lindsay Graham sanctions legislation and other mechanisms — must be intensified.

Diplomatic Push Ahead

The president announced that "many diplomatic activities" are planned for the coming days and October to shift the situation, pledging continued coordination with Washington and partners on peace-related pressure.