Ukraine is awaiting U.S. approval for a major drone production and air defense deal, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, aiming to counter large swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones.

The agreement would integrate various drones and defense systems into a coordinated network, bolstering Kyiv’s ability to fend off Russian attacks.

Russia has fired tens of thousands of Shahed drones at Ukraine since the invasion began, while Iran has launched similar drones in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes in the Middle East.

Zelenskyy is touring NATO countries, including Romania and France, to secure ongoing military support and discuss efforts to curb Russia’s oil revenues, which have increased amid the Middle East conflict, ABC News has reported.

Ukraine’s drone capabilities and foreign partnerships could also strengthen its leverage in stalled negotiations with Moscow.