Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he and US President Donald Trump agreed to collaborate on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities during a phone conversation Friday.
The two leaders had a “very important and fruitful conversation,” Zelenskyy stated, adding they “spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies.”
According to Axios, citing an unidentified Ukrainian official and a source familiar with the call, Trump expressed willingness to help Ukraine with air defense following escalating Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy said the discussion included joint defense production, purchases, and investments. He emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for “direct projects with the United States,” particularly regarding drones and related technologies, calling such cooperation “critically important for security.”
The conversation occurred one day after Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the US president described as disappointing.
“I’m very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don’t think he’s there, and I’m very disappointed,” Trump said Thursday. “I’m just saying I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s too bad.”
Trump indicated the Putin call yielded no progress on ending the war, while the Kremlin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to addressing the conflict’s “root causes.”
Hours after the Trump-Putin conversation, Russia launched what Ukraine’s Air Force described as the war’s largest drone attack on Kyiv, deploying 539 drones and 11 missiles. The assault killed one person, injured at least 23, and damaged buildings across the capital. Air raid sirens, drone sounds, and explosions lasted from early evening until dawn.
Zelenskyy characterized the attack as “deliberately massive and cynical.”
Ukraine has persistently requested Washington to sell more Patriot missiles and systems, viewing them as essential for defending cities against intensifying Russian air strikes. Recent US decisions to halt some weapon shipments prompted warnings from Kyiv that such moves would weaken Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian attacks and battlefield advances.
Germany announced it is in talks to purchase Patriot air defense systems to help bridge the gap in Ukraine’s defenses.
Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, according to Spiegel magazine citing government sources. Their discussion covered Ukraine’s situation, including air defense strengthening, as well as trade issues.
In his Friday statement, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for existing support, noting it helps protect lives and preserve Ukrainian independence. He emphasized Ukraine’s support for “all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace,” stating that “a noble agreement for peace is needed.”
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