### U.S. Pledges $800 Million to Ukraine for Long-Range Drone Production

In a significant policy shift, the United States has decided to provide $800 million in military aid to Ukraine, specifically for the development of long-range drones, according to a Pentagon official. This move aligns with the ongoing efforts to empower Ukraine to combat Russian aggression using domestically manufactured weapons.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this major funding during a press briefing, highlighting that it marks the first installment of U.S. support aimed at enhancing Ukraine's weapon production and long-range attack capabilities. The Pentagon confirmed this decision, noting that this new arrangement is part of a broader strategy to help Ukraine sustain its defense with its own military resources.

This initiative represents a notable change in the U.S. approach. Historically, American military aid to Ukraine has been channeled to support U.S.-based manufacturers, with over $61 billion provided since February 2022. However, recent aid packages have diminished due to concerns regarding the Pentagon's own resources. By allowing Ukraine to produce its own arsenal, the U.S. aims to mitigate these concerns and reduce potential corruption.

In addition to the U.S. commitment, Denmark became the first nation to participate in Ukraine's Manufacturing Freedom campaign, contributing $28.5 million toward local weapon production. This movement has also gained support from Canada and the Netherlands, marking a collective effort to bolster Ukraine's military self-sufficiency.

While this funding decision does not meet all of Ukraine's requests, such as the lifting of restrictions on using Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian territories, it represents a substantial step toward Ukraine attaining greater autonomy in its defense capabilities.