Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had discussed the need for enhanced air defences and tougher sanctions on Russia with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) during a meeting in Rome held alongside international talks on Ukraine.
In a post on Telegram early Friday, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine's current priority is boosting its air defence systems, especially as Russia plans large-scale drone assaults.
“Russia is preparing to launch up to 1,000 drones in a single attack,” he warned, adding that investing in interceptor drones was now essential.
He said discussions also focused on continued U.S. weapons support and potential joint production of defence systems. Ukraine, he noted, is ready to collaborate with European partners to secure large-scale U.S. defence packages aimed at protecting civilian lives.
Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday that all necessary political approvals for renewed U.S. military aid had been received after a brief suspension last week. He also revealed new agreements with Germany and Norway for the purchase of three Patriot missile defence systems- two funded by Berlin, one by Oslo.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have surged in recent weeks. On Wednesday night alone, Zelenskyy said Russia launched 18 missiles and about 400 drones, mainly targeting Kyiv. The night before, Ukraine faced a record 728-drone assault.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had authorised the shipment of defensive weapons to Ukraine and was weighing further sanctions on Moscow, citing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over stalled efforts to resolve the war.
Zelenskyy also held talks on Wednesday in Rome with Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, to discuss military aid.
In his Telegram update, Zelenskyy said he and the two senators also reviewed a proposed U.S. bill that would impose tougher sanctions not only on Russia but also on countries continuing to buy its key exports- such as oil, gas, and uranium.
He called the legislation a powerful tool to bring peace closer and give diplomacy a meaningful role. The proposed law includes a provision for a 500% tariff on imports from countries that still purchase major Russian commodities.
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off...
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing o...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United Nations (UN) added Israel and Russia to a blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence on Friday (29 May). The move prompted Israel to announce it would sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Voting has begun in Malta’s parliamentary election, with opinion polls suggesting the ruling Labour Party is on course to win a fourth consecutive term.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment