Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Ukraine is awaiting White House approval for a major drone production agreement proposed by Kyiv last year. The announcement comes as countries work to modernize their air defenses following recent conflicts that exposed vulnerabilities.

The proposed U.S.-Ukraine deal would cover various types of drones and air defenses designed to operate as a unified system capable of defending against swarms of hundreds or thousands of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and missiles, according to Zelenskyy's social media statement. "We have not yet had the opportunity to sign this document," he said.

Russia has fired tens of thousands of Iranian-designed Shahed drones at Ukraine since its invasion began over four years ago, including a recent nighttime barrage involving more than 800 drones and decoys. Ukraine has developed cost-effective drone defense systems, some costing only a few thousand dollars, that have influenced modern air defense strategies.

Zelenskyy suggested that ongoing Middle East conflicts might prompt American officials to approve the drone production proposal. Ukraine seeks to secure future foreign support for its defense efforts against Russia's invasion, and such agreements could provide diplomatic leverage in potential negotiations with Moscow.

The Ukrainian president arrived in NATO member Romania on Thursday, with plans to visit French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris the following day. During his Romania visit, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with Romanian officials and visit a training center for Ukraine's F-16 pilots. His discussions with Macron are expected to focus on efforts to counter Russia's fleet of oil tankers operating in violation of international sanctions.