Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that he had a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, especially as Russian attacks continue to intensify. Zelenskyy stated that both leaders agreed to work toward improving Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace.
In a post on Telegram, Zelenskyy said they also discussed collaborating on defence manufacturing, joint arms procurement, and attracting investment into Ukraine’s defence sector.
Ukraine has been urging the United States to supply additional Patriot missile systems, which it considers crucial to protect cities from ongoing Russian aerial bombardments. A recent pause in certain U.S. arms deliveries led Ukrainian officials to warn that their ability to repel attacks and hold ground could be compromised. Meanwhile, Germany has entered discussions about acquiring Patriot systems to help close the gap.
One person familiar with the conversation between the two leaders described it as highly constructive, expressing hope that the flow of Patriot missiles would resume soon.
According to a U.S. news outlet, the call lasted around 40 minutes, during which Trump reportedly said he would look into whether any scheduled weapons shipments to Ukraine had been delayed or suspended.
Later that evening, in his daily video address, Zelenskyy confirmed that both sides had agreed to arrange meetings between their teams aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s air defence. He emphasized the need for joint defense production, noting that it would benefit both countries.
The call came just one day after Trump expressed disappointment over a separate phone conversation he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Within hours of that conversation, Russia launched what Ukrainian officials described as the largest drone assault on Kyiv since the start of the war. Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it “deliberately massive and cynical.”
On the same day, Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to a German media report. Their discussion included Ukraine’s defence situation, particularly regarding air defences, as well as economic matters.
Ukraine had previously received Patriot systems and ammunition from the United States as part of military aid under former President Joe Biden. Trump has criticised Biden for providing weapons to Ukraine without securing tangible benefits for the U.S., and since taking office, has taken a different approach in managing U.S.–Ukraine relations.
