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.
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AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
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