Zelenskyy discusses Patriot missile production with Trump after securing fresh UK backing

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he held a productive meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with talks focusing on air defence cooperation and efforts to advance diplomatic negotiations.

The meeting came a day after Zelenskyy visited Britain, where he received assurances of continued support from newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

"A good meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram after the talks.

Patriot production and defence cooperation

According to Zelenskyy, a key topic was the possibility of obtaining licences that would allow Ukraine to manufacture interceptors for U.S.-made Patriot air defence systems, which play a vital role in protecting the country from missile and drone attacks.

"We also talked about diplomacy; it is important to step up the diplomatic process," he said.

The Ukrainian leader said officials from both countries would continue discussions in the coming weeks.

"Our teams will coordinate the details of their further communication," he added.

Zelenskyy pays tribute to Lindsey Graham

Zelenskyy also said he began the meeting by expressing condolences to Trump over the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine's most vocal supporters in Washington.

"First and foremost, I expressed my condolences to President Trump regarding the death of Lindsey Graham. He was a true friend of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

New British support

The White House talks followed Zelenskyy's visit to the United Kingdom on Monday, where he became the first foreign leader to be welcomed by newly installed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The two leaders met at a naval base and were due to observe U.K.-led military training programmes designed to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces.

"Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering," Burnham said. "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine."

During the visit, Burnham and Zelenskyy met more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime security and mine-countermeasure programme intended to prepare participants for future operations in the Black Sea.

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Burnham also announced that Britain would provide new, domestically developed jamming technology to help protect Ukrainian drones on the battlefield.

According to Downing Street, total British support for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 has reached £25 billion (US$33.3 billion), including £16 billion (US$21.28 billion) in military assistance and £5.6 billion (US$7.45 billion) in non-military aid.

The latest diplomatic activity highlights Kyiv's continued efforts to secure military assistance and strengthen international backing as it seeks both enhanced battlefield capabilities and progress towards a lasting peace.

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