US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House to discuss the production license for Patriot air defense missiles and the resumption of peace negotiations with Russia. The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, reflects the improving relations between the two leaders.
In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said, "Thank you for everything we are doing together to protect the lives of Ukrainians and advance peace." The Ukrainian leader noted that they discussed Patriot interceptor production licenses and other ideas that could help, adding, "We also talked about diplomacy; reviving the diplomatic process is important."
A senior Ukrainian official told AFP before the meeting that Kiev's immediate priorities were obtaining additional anti-ballistic Patriot missiles and finding ways to resume diplomatic negotiations with Russia. The official said, "It is crucial that Washington approves the purchase of a Patriot missile package."
According to the United Nations, last month was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022 due to Russia's increased use of hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles.
Improvement in relations and US support policy
This latest meeting shows that relations between the two leaders have continued to improve since the start of Trump's second presidential term. Since returning to office, Trump has halted direct US arms shipments to Ukraine, allowing European countries to purchase American weapons for Kiev. However, Washington maintains intelligence support and access to the Starlink satellite communication system used by Ukrainian forces.
Earlier this month, at a meeting in Turkey, Trump praised Zelenskyy for doing a "great job" and offered Ukraine the production license for Patriot missiles. Zelenskyy also met last week with Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss ways to "revive diplomacy" after the conflicts in the Middle East diverted Washington's attention from Ukraine.
Senate contacts and new sanctions bill
After his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy was to attend the memorial service for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he described as a "true friend of Ukraine" and who passed away recently, and offer his condolences.
Later on Tuesday, Zelenskyy was expected to address US senators ahead of a procedural vote on a bipartisan bill that would introduce new sanctions on Russia. Regarding the bill, which Graham championed before his death and which is co-sponsored by 62 senators, some Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns about provisions that expand Trump's authority to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy.
Frontline clashes and diplomatic maneuvers
As diplomatic contacts continue, fighting on the ground remains intense. Hours before Zelenskyy arrived at the White House, Ukraine launched hundreds of drones against Russia. Throughout the night, Moscow responded with more than 100 drones against Ukraine and continued its attacks on the Black Sea port of Odessa and ships carrying Ukrainian agricultural products.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday denied claims that negotiations on an airspace ceasefire were underway, warning that Ukraine's increased attacks inside Russia would only prolong the conflict.
