Zelenskyy, Trump discuss boosting Ukraine's air defence

Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed strengthening Kyiv's air defences amid intensifying Russian strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed air defences with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, agreeing to work on increasing Kyiv's capability to "defend the sky" as Russian attacks escalate.

In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy added that he discussed joint defence production, joint purchases, and investments with Trump.

Ukraine has been urging Washington to sell more Patriot missile systems, which it views as critical for protecting its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes.

Washington’s decision to halt some weapons shipments to Ukraine earlier this year prompted warnings from Kyiv that its ability to defend against Russian airstrikes and battlefield advances would be weakened. Germany has since said it is in talks to buy Patriot air defence systems to bridge the gap.

Zelenskyy's conversation with Trump came a day after Trump said he had a disappointing call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On the same day, Russia launched its largest drone attack of the conflict against Kyiv, hours after Trump spoke with Putin. Zelenskyy described the attack as "deliberately massive and cynical."

Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, Spiegel magazine reported, citing government sources. The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, including strengthening its air defences, as well as trade issues.

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