On October 3, the Center for Public Analytics "Vezha" hosted a discussion on current security issues, led by Valerii Klochok. Military expert Ivan Stepak was the guest.
The main topic was the announced Ukraine-US agreement on drone supplies. Oleksiy Umerov stated that the signing is being prepared, but the US government shutdown is hindering official meetings for now.
They also discussed rumors about Ukraine receiving Tomahawk cruise missiles. Experts point out the likelihood is very low due to international missile technology control regimes and restrictions on missile transfer range. The prospects of receiving other, shorter-range weapons—such as Taurus, SCALP, and the new American Barracuda capable of striking up to 400 km—were also covered.
The discussion included Ukrainian arms exports, corruption risks, investment issues in the defense industry, possible surplus arms sale schemes, and the potential for international cooperation.
A separate part highlighted the European Union's "drone wall" initiative. This concept of mass drone defense is discussed within the EU, though unity is lacking. Ukrainian experts are seen as key to its success due to their expertise.
Finally, the rhetoric of European leaders is shifting—Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk publicly stressed the threat from Russia and the reality of war in Europe, driving EU rethinking of its security strategy.
