Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (July 28) &nbsp;welcomed his "good meeting" with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where the two leaders discussed fresh American support for Kyiv in its war against Russia.&nbsp;Zelensky said he and Trump discussed the US president's earlier offer to Ukraine of licences to produce Patriot air defence missiles.&nbsp;"A good meeting with President Trump... at the Oval Office," Zelensky posted on X.&nbsp;He later thanked Trump for joint efforts to protect Ukrainian lives and advance peace.&nbsp;"The President and I discussed licences for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help," Zelensky said. "We also spoke about diplomacy -- the diplomatic process must be reinvigorated."&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as "positive and productive".Zelensky seeks more Patriot missiles&nbsp;The meeting came as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks, including the increased use of ballistic missiles that are difficult to intercept.&nbsp;Last month was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, according to the United Nations. A Ukrainian official stressed the importance of securing additional US-made Patriot missile systems for the country's air defence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-nationwide-protests-supreme-court-interim-order-firs-1785253170007">CJP claims SC's 'uninformed' interim order contradicts government assurances</a>&nbsp;"It is crucial that Washington approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles. That is super important," the official said.&nbsp;Relations between Zelensky and Trump have improved since the start of Trump's second term. Earlier this month, Trump suggested that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia could help bring an end to the war.&nbsp;Zelensky was also scheduled to attend a memorial ceremony for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine who died unexpectedly this month at the age of 71.&nbsp;Zelensky said he offered Trump his condolences over Graham's death and described the late senator as "a true friend of Ukraine."

Zelensky and Trump discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defences through Patriot missiles and advancing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (July 28) welcomed his "good meeting" with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where the two leaders discussed fresh American support for Kyiv in its war against Russia. Zelensky said he and Trump discussed the US president's earlier offer to Ukraine of licences to produce Patriot air defence missiles. "A good meeting with President Trump... at the Oval Office," Zelensky posted on X. He later thanked Trump for joint efforts to protect Ukrainian lives and advance peace. "The President and I discussed licences for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help," Zelensky said. "We also spoke about diplomacy -- the diplomatic process must be reinvigorated." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the meeting as "positive and productive". Zelensky seeks more Patriot missiles The meeting came as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks, including the increased use of ballistic missiles that are difficult to intercept. Last month was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, according to the United Nations. A Ukrainian official stressed the importance of securing additional US-made Patriot missile systems for the country's air defence. Also Read: CJP claims SC's 'uninformed' interim order contradicts government assurances "It is crucial that Washington approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles. That is super important," the official said. Relations between Zelensky and Trump have improved since the start of Trump's second term. Earlier this month, Trump suggested that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia could help bring an end to the war. Zelensky was also scheduled to attend a memorial ceremony for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine who died unexpectedly this month at the age of 71. Zelensky said he offered Trump his condolences over Graham's death and described the late senator as "a true friend of Ukraine."

Zelensky and Trump discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defences through Patriot missiles and advancing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelensky meets Trump at White House, seeks stronger US defence support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday renewed his appeal for Ukraine to join NATO, saying the country's battle-tested military would strengthen the alliance's collective defence. He also urged allies to increase support for Ukraine's air defences as the country faces a shortage of interceptor missiles needed to counter Russian attacks.&nbsp;Highlighting Ukraine's achievements in drone warfare during more than four years of conflict with Russia, Zelensky argued that Kyiv's military capabilities would benefit NATO.&nbsp;Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Zelensky said, "Today, we defend against hundreds and hundreds of attack drones every day, and thousands and thousands every week and every month. Ukraine’s defence sector is building that capability even in the middle of a full-scale war."&nbsp;"Do you really believe it would be right to live outside NATO, a country and a people with this level of defensive capability?" Zelensky said in a speech on the sidelines of the summit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-unveils-billions-in-arms-deals-after-trump-s-pressure-for-higher-defence-spending-1783428507988">NATO unveils billions in arms deals after Trump’s pressure for higher defence spending</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In June alone, nearly 28,000 Russian soldiers were eliminated – and we have video confirmation for every single one of them. The overwhelming majority were struck by drones. Frankly, we take no pride in this. We are saying it to show what modern war looks like – a war we did not… <a href="https://t.co/iAdgPznPUk">pic.twitter.com/iAdgPznPUk</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2074484262657503591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zelensky repeated his call for NATO membership despite US President Donald Trump ruling out Kyiv's entry into the Western military alliance. Trump has opposed Ukraine's long-standing bid to join NATO while seeking to bring an end to the war with Russia.&nbsp;The Ukrainian president said the country could manage most of its defence needs on its own but required stronger international support for air defence systems.&nbsp;"We are capable of doing everything else ourselves, but when it comes to air defence, we need our partners' determination," he said.&nbsp;Zelensky also claimed that Ukraine eliminated nearly 28,000 Russian soldiers in June alone and said every casualty had been verified through video evidence. He added that Ukraine had dismantled Russia's belief that it possessed a secure strategic rear by carrying out deep strikes inside the country, including a recent drone attack on an oil refinery in Siberia.&nbsp;“In June alone, nearly 28,000 Russian soldiers were eliminated – and we have video confirmation for every single one of them. The overwhelming majority were struck by drones,” he said.&nbsp;"We have completely eliminated the very idea of Russia having a strategic rear. For a long time, Russia believed it had a territorial advantage no one else possessed – a deep rear where it could safely keep military production, military equipment, and everything its war depends on, believing no one could reach it."&nbsp;"We have reached them. Just yesterday, Ukrainian drones broke through Russia’s defences and struck a Russian oil refinery in Siberia," he added.&nbsp;Zelensky said the current production of US-made Patriot missiles was insufficient and urged allies to persuade Washington to allow Ukraine to manufacture the systems under licence. He also called on European countries to work with Ukraine to develop their own affordable anti-ballistic defence technology.

Zelensky urged NATO to step up support for Ukraine's air defences and said deep drone strikes, including a recent attack on an oil refinery in Siberia, had eliminated Russia's sense of having a secure strategic rear.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday renewed his appeal for Ukraine to join NATO, saying the country's battle-tested military would strengthen the alliance's collective defence. He also urged allies to increase support for Ukraine's air defences as the country faces a shortage of interceptor missiles needed to counter Russian attacks. Highlighting Ukraine's achievements in drone warfare during more than four years of conflict with Russia, Zelensky argued that Kyiv's military capabilities would benefit NATO. Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Zelensky said, "Today, we defend against hundreds and hundreds of attack drones every day, and thousands and thousands every week and every month. Ukraine’s defence sector is building that capability even in the middle of a full-scale war." "Do you really believe it would be right to live outside NATO, a country and a people with this level of defensive capability?" Zelensky said in a speech on the sidelines of the summit. Also Read: NATO unveils billions in arms deals after Trump’s pressure for higher defence spending

Zelensky urged NATO to step up support for Ukraine's air defences and said deep drone strikes, including a recent attack on an oil refinery in Siberia, had eliminated Russia's sense of having a secure strategic rear.

'Nearly 28,000 Russian troops killed in June': Zelensky pitches Ukraine's NATO membership to boost alliance capabilities

Seated alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered rare praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he was doing "pretty well" in the war against Russia.&nbsp;"He's holding his own, at least. A lot of people are dying on both sides, but I think he's doing pretty well," Trump said.&nbsp;"You have to say he's courageous, he's got great equipment, but he's got great men, he's got fighters," he added.&nbsp;The remarks marked a notable change in tone from the US president, who has often been critical of Kyiv since returning to office.&nbsp;Last week, following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump joined other leaders in calling for increased pressure on Moscow to end the four-year war. He also signalled Washington's willingness to reimpose sanctions on Russian oil.&nbsp;After the meeting, Zelensky posted on X that he was "grateful to President Trump for his attention to Ukraine and his readiness to help bring peace closer."&nbsp;The developments point to a significant shift in the Trump administration's approach towards Kyiv, coming months after a tense public confrontation between senior Trump officials and Zelensky in the Oval Office. During that exchange, US officials argued that Ukraine was in a "very bad position" and that it did not "have the cards right now."&nbsp;Vice President JD Vance also accused Zelensky of showing ingratitude towards President Trump, whom he described as "trying to save Ukraine," and claimed that Kyiv was "forcing conscripts to the frontlines because you have manpower problems."&nbsp;While the change in Washington's position may not be entirely surprising given Trump's history of switching positions according to evolving circumstances, several recent developments appear to have influenced the White House's thinking.<h2>Coordinated G7 pressure and ally engagement</h2>The US war with Iran highlighted the importance of working closely with allies to ensure stability in the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict. During the G7 Summit, European partners, including the UK and Canada, announced fresh measures targeting Russia's "shadow fleet" while also seeking to maintain close coordination with Washington.&nbsp;By backing Trump's handling of the Iran peace agreement, G7 leaders created a more cooperative atmosphere. This diplomatic approach helped build consensus around increasing economic pressure on Russia, allowing Trump to align with a broader effort to target Moscow's energy revenues.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-don-t-think-it-was-us-trump-denies-us-role-in-deadly-iran-school-bombing-1782347376989">'I don't think it was us': Trump denies US role in deadly Iran school bombing</a><h2>Ukrainian battlefield successes deep inside Russia</h2>Reports indicate that Trump was "extremely impressed and captivated" by a series of Ukrainian long-range strikes carried out shortly before and during the summit.&nbsp;The operations reportedly targeted high-value military assets near Moscow and damaged an oil refinery on the outskirts of the Russian capital. The attacks shifted the narrative from Ukraine seeking assistance to demonstrating its ability to inflict high strategic costs on Russia, influencing Trump's assessment of the conflict.<h2>Peace efforts fail to produce breakthrough</h2>During the presidential campaign, Trump pledged to end the Ukraine war on his first day in office. Since then, his administration has pursued multiple diplomatic initiatives involving both Kyiv and Moscow.&nbsp;Trump also hosted Vladimir Putin in Alaska in an effort to advance peace negotiations. However, despite several draft proposals, neither side has shown a willingness to compromise on territorial issues.&nbsp;G7 leaders used the summit to argue that stronger economic pressure on Russia could increase leverage for both Washington and Kyiv, potentially bringing Putin closer to meaningful negotiations and supporting Trump's stated goal of securing a peace deal.<h2>Middle East tensions ease</h2>Another factor may have been changing conditions in global energy markets.The Trump administration had temporarily eased pressure on Russian oil exports in March 2026 as the war with Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed up global crude prices.&nbsp;However, on the eve of the G7 Summit, Washington secured a preliminary peace agreement with Iran. With the conflict easing and oil flows through the Strait resuming, the administration no longer faced the same economic pressures, giving Trump greater room to consider renewed action against Moscow's energy sector.

The Trump administration has frequently clashed with Kyiv, with Vice President JD Vance praising cuts to Ukraine aid and Trump telling Zelensky during a White House confrontation that he did not "have the cards."

Seated alongside NATO chief Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered rare praise for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he was doing "pretty well" in the war against Russia. "He's holding his own, at least. A lot of people are dying on both sides, but I think he's doing pretty well," Trump said. "You have to say he's courageous, he's got great equipment, but he's got great men, he's got fighters," he added. The remarks marked a notable change in tone from the US president, who has often been critical of Kyiv since returning to office. Last week, following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump joined other leaders in calling for increased pressure on Moscow to end the four-year war. He also signalled Washington's willingness to reimpose sanctions on Russian oil. After the meeting, Zelensky posted on X that he was "grateful to President Trump for his attention to Ukraine and his readiness to help bring peace closer." The developments point to a significant shift in the Trump administration's approach towards Kyiv, coming months after a tense public confrontation between senior Trump officials and Zelensky in the Oval Office. During that exchange, US officials argued that Ukraine was in a "very bad position" and that it did not "have the cards right now." Vice President JD Vance also accused Zelensky of showing ingratitude towards President Trump, whom he described as "trying to save Ukraine," and claimed that Kyiv was "forcing conscripts to the frontlines because you have manpower problems." While the change in Washington's position may not be entirely surprising given Trump's history of switching positions according to evolving circumstances, several recent developments appear to have influenced the White House's thinking. Coordinated G7 pressure and ally engagement The US war with Iran highlighted the importance of working closely with allies to ensure stability in the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict. During the G7 Summit, European partners, including the UK and Canada, announced fresh measures targeting Russia's "shadow fleet" while also seeking to maintain close coordination with Washington. By backing Trump's handling of the Iran peace agreement, G7 leaders created a more cooperative atmosphere. This diplomatic approach helped build consensus around increasing economic pressure on Russia, allowing Trump to align with a broader effort to target Moscow's energy revenues. Also Read: 'I don't think it was us': Trump denies US role in deadly Iran school bombing Ukrainian battlefield successes deep inside Russia Reports indicate that Trump was "extremely impressed and captivated" by a series of Ukrainian long-range strikes carried out shortly before and during the summit. The operations reportedly targeted high-value military assets near Moscow and damaged an oil refinery on the outskirts of the Russian capital. The attacks shifted the narrative from Ukraine seeking assistance to demonstrating its ability to inflict high strategic costs on Russia, influencing Trump's assessment of the conflict. Peace efforts fail to produce breakthrough During the presidential campaign, Trump pledged to end the Ukraine war on his first day in office. Since then, his administration has pursued multiple diplomatic initiatives involving both Kyiv and Moscow. Trump also hosted Vladimir Putin in Alaska in an effort to advance peace negotiations. However, despite several draft proposals, neither side has shown a willingness to compromise on territorial issues. G7 leaders used the summit to argue that stronger economic pressure on Russia could increase leverage for both Washington and Kyiv, potentially bringing Putin closer to meaningful negotiations and supporting Trump's stated goal of securing a peace deal. Middle East tensions ease Another factor may have been changing conditions in global energy markets. The Trump administration had temporarily eased pressure on Russian oil exports in March 2026 as the war with Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed up global crude prices. However, on the eve of the G7 Summit, Washington secured a preliminary peace agreement with Iran. With the conflict easing and oil flows through the Strait resuming, the administration no longer faced the same economic pressures, giving Trump greater room to consider renewed action against Moscow's energy sector.

Trump administration has frequently clashed with Kyiv, with Vice President JD Vance praising cuts to Ukraine aid and Trump telling Zelensky during a White House confrontation that he did not "have the cards."

Wion Decodes | Trump praises Zelensky's fight against Russia: What's behind US shift on Ukraine?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly asked the United States to provide additional ammunition for its Patriot air defence systems to defend his country from Russian ballistic missile attacks. According to reports, the Ukrainian leader made the request in a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump. This comes days after Russia launched one of the worst combined missile and drone attacks against Kyiv since Moscow invaded the country more than four years ago.AFP reported, citing a letter dated May 26, that Zelensky asked the US to “help us secure this vital tool of protection against Russian terror – Patriot missiles PAC-3 and additional systems – to stop Russian ballistic missiles and other Russian missile attacks.”The development underscores Ukraine’s near-total reliance on its Western allies to counter Russian missile barrages even as Kyiv is known to possess a system for intercepting long-range drones that is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced.A senior official within the Ukrainian presidency told AFP that finding ammunition for advanced air defence systems supplied by Kyiv’s Western allies was “complicated.”“It’s just hard to find missiles right now when there are so many other orders in the Gulf and other places like that,” the official said.“And the supplies through PURL have slowed down as well,” they said, referring to the mechanism that allows Ukraine’s European allies to buy US-made weapons for Kyiv.The conflict in the Middle East has further worsened Ukraine’s ammunition shortages, as US allies used large amounts of air defence munitions to protect sites across the Gulf region.At the same time, Ukraine’s expertise in drone warfare has drawn interest from wealthy Gulf nations, many of which have faced attacks from Iranian-designed drones that Ukrainian forces have become experienced in countering.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the US to supply more Patriot missiles to counter Russian attacks, as global demand and Middle East conflicts worsen ammunition shortages.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly asked the United States to provide additional ammunition for its Patriot air defence systems to defend his country from Russian ballistic missile attacks. According to reports, the Ukrainian leader made the request in a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump. This comes days after Russia launched one of the worst combined missile and drone attacks against Kyiv since Moscow invaded the country more than four years ago. AFP reported, citing a letter dated May 26, that Zelensky asked the US to “help us secure this vital tool of protection against Russian terror – Patriot missiles PAC-3 and additional systems – to stop Russian ballistic missiles and other Russian missile attacks.” The development underscores Ukraine’s near-total reliance on its Western allies to counter Russian missile barrages even as Kyiv is known to possess a system for intercepting long-range drones that is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced. A senior official within the Ukrainian presidency told AFP that finding ammunition for advanced air defence systems supplied by Kyiv’s Western allies was “complicated.” “It’s just hard to find missiles right now when there are so many other orders in the Gulf and other places like that,” the official said. “And the supplies through PURL have slowed down as well,” they said, referring to the mechanism that allows Ukraine’s European allies to buy US-made weapons for Kyiv. The conflict in the Middle East has further worsened Ukraine’s ammunition shortages, as US allies used large amounts of air defence munitions to protect sites across the Gulf region. At the same time, Ukraine’s expertise in drone warfare has drawn interest from wealthy Gulf nations, many of which have faced attacks from Iranian-designed drones that Ukrainian forces have become experienced in countering.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the US to supply more Patriot missiles to counter Russian attacks, as global demand and Middle East conflicts worsen ammunition shortages.

Is Ukraine running out of Patriot munitions against Russia? Zelensky seeks Trump’s ‘help’

After President Trump’s rebukes, President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to repair the relationship with his counterpart while also reaching out to European allies. Watch this report for more details!

Zelensky vs Trump showdown: The aftermath

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Zelensky meets Trump at White House, seeks stronger US defence support

'28,000 Russian troops killed in June': Zelensky pushes for NATO membership

Trump hails Zelensky's fight against Russia: What's behind US shift on Ukraine?

Is Ukraine running out of Patriot munitions? Zelensky seeks Trump’s ‘help’

Zelensky vs Trump showdown: The aftermath