Ukraine's Zelenskyy says latest phone call with Trump his as most productive yet

Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described his latest phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump as the most productive yet, focusing on air defence and future cooperation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump was the most constructive the two leaders have had to date, calling it a turning point in bilateral dialogue. The remarks came during Zelenskyy’s nightly video address on Saturday.

“We discussed air defence issues, and I’m grateful for the willingness to help,” Zelenskyy said, specifically mentioning the importance of the U.S. Patriot missile system in defending Ukraine against ballistic threats.

The conversation followed a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague earlier in the week. Zelenskyy noted that other key topics were discussed and would be explored further in upcoming meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

Trump confirmed to reporters on Friday that he had a "good call" with Zelenskyy. He also expressed frustration following a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing a lack of progress toward a ceasefire.

Asked about further U.S. military support, Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s pressing need for defence capabilities: “They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard.”

Russia intensified its aerial assault on Ukraine in recent days, launching its largest drone attack on Kyiv just hours after Trump’s call with Putin.

Tags