Romania and Ukraine signed a statement of intent in Bucharest to produce Ukrainian defence systems, including drones, in Romania to bolster both countries' defence industries. The deal builds on Ukraine's combat-tested drone and counter-drone expertise and Romania's NATO/EU industrial base. Leaders also discussed energy cooperation — such as potential U.S. LNG via Romanian pipelines and Black Sea projects — and signed accords covering defence, energy and minority rights. Romania said it would support lawful steps to lift an EU aid veto by Hungary.
Romania and Ukraine Agree To Produce Ukrainian Defence Systems, Including Drones, In Romania
Romanian President Nicusor Dan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2026. Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS
Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a statement of intent in Bucharest on Thursday to manufacture Ukrainian defence systems — including drones — on Romanian soil. The leaders said the move aims to strengthen both countries' defence industries and deepen practical cooperation between an EU and NATO member and its wartime neighbour.
Border and security context
Romania shares a roughly 650-km (400-mile) border with Ukraine, including stretches along the Danube where Ukrainian river ports have been targeted by Russian attacks. Officials also noted incidents in which Russian drones have violated Romanian airspace, underscoring the regional security stakes behind the agreement.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy sign documents about joint drone production in Romania, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2026. Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS
What the agreement covers
The joint statement says the countries agreed to "enable the production of Ukrainian defence systems and capabilities in Romania with the purpose of strengthening the defence industries of Ukraine and Romania." That includes cooperation on drone production and related technologies. Romanian officials had previously signalled plans to collaborate with Ukraine on drones under SAFE, a new EU defence funding mechanism.
Technical strengths and defence integration
Romanian President Nicusor Dan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hold signed documents about joint drone production in Romania, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2026. Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS
Zelenskiy highlighted Ukraine's experience after four years of war, saying Kyiv has developed both drone and counter-drone systems and particular expertise in integrating drone software into broader national defence architectures. Romania's president noted the document on military cooperation specifically references joint drone production.
Energy and broader cooperation
The leaders also discussed energy collaboration, including the prospect of Ukraine importing U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) via pipelines across Romania and cooperating on energy projects in the Black Sea. They signed separate documents to promote partnership across defence, energy and minority-rights issues.
Political and diplomatic notes
President Dan said Romania would support lawful measures to lift an EU aid blockage for Ukraine that has been vetoed by Hungary, signalling Bucharest's backing for Kyiv in EU institutions.
Significance: The agreement ties Ukraine's combat-tested drone and counter-drone expertise to Romanian industrial capacity and EU/NATO markets, and reflects growing practical cooperation on security and energy between the two neighbours.
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