Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with US President Donald Trump over the telephone to discuss the increasing imperative of strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, as Russian missile and drone attacks intensify nationwide.
As reported by The Guardian, Zelenskyy told Telegram that President Trump was “very well informed” regarding the situation on the front lines. The two leaders had agreed to enhance efforts towards enhancing Ukraine’s defense against air attacks. A second meeting between their teams is scheduled to consider tangible action items for the development of Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Zelenskyy mentioned that the 40-minute call also touched on the opportunity to initiate joint arms manufacturing projects with the US, citing Kyiv’s willingness to cooperate on defence manufacture and investments.
In his speech, Zelenskyy also sent Independence Day greetings to the American people and expressed appreciation for previous US assistance. “We are behind all efforts to end the killing and bring a stable and dignified peace back,” he stated, expressing support for a “decent agreement” and US-supported proposals.
The exchange followed up on Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Putin reiterated Russia’s war goals. Trump afterwards informed reporters he was “very disappointed,” admitting that Putin “doesn’t seem prepared to halt the combat.”
At the same time, the US Defence Department has suspended the supply of key ammunition to Ukraine, such as Patriot missile systems and precision-guided ammunition exacerbating anxiety in Kyiv about decreased defence capabilities and entrenched Russian aggression.
On Friday, Russia conducted its biggest drone and missile strike since the 2022 invasion started, driving thousands of Ukrainians into shelter and underscoring the increasingly desperate security situation. Despite restarting peace talks last spring in Istanbul, there have been no ceasefire agreements produced by negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, only prisoner swaps.
