Ukraine ready to produce strategic drones with Germany: FM

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said here Friday that Ukraine is ready to produce strategic drones and unmanned products in cooperation with Germany, reported Xinhua.

Speaking at the ongoing Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sybiha said Ukraine is attempting to replace manpower with drones to reduce battlefield casualties in the conflict with Russia.

"We are trying to replace our soldiers with drones -- all kinds of different drones, including ground drones. This would save our soldiers' lives," Sybiha said.

He said Ukraine still has significant potential in drone production, as the country has so far utilized only half of its production capacity.

He also noted that the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict is slowing down the "assistance efforts" for Ukraine from the West.

Meanwhile, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, citing Sybiha, reported Friday that Kiev is prepared for a potential high-level meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with mediation by Türkiye and the United States.

The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, hosted by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, runs from April 17 to 19, with the theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties."

The event brings together leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, business experts, media, and civil society representatives to explore ways to best manage uncertainties and address pressing issues while preparing for future challenges.

On Wednesday, Ukraine said it had started receiving drones from the biggest ever drone package announced by Britain.