Zelensky, Trump discuss Russian strikes, ‘opportunities’ in air defence in phone call

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Friday, and the two leaders discussed the Russian strikes on Ukraine and the supply of air defence to Kyiv. The Presidential Office head in Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, said, “A very important and meaningful conversation between the presidents. All the details—coming soon.” Yermak called the conversation “important and productive.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later said that he spoke with US President Donald Trump about the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.

After the phone call, Zelensky said in a post on X, “I had a very important and fruitful conversation with @POTUS. I congratulated President Trump and the entire American people on the US Independence Day.”

“We—in Ukraine—are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence. We have achieved a lot together with America, and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace. A noble agreement for peace is needed.”

‘We spoke about opportunities in air defence’

“Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments. President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine. We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams,” he added.

“We had a detailed conversation about defence industry capabilities and joint production. We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies,” Zelensky said.

“We also touched on mutual procurement and investment. Finally, we exchanged views on the diplomatic situation and joint work with the US and other partners,” he added.

In a brief note published on Telegram, Zelensky said they discussed “the possibilities of air defence, and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection in the sky.”

He added that they also talked about the opportunities for joint arms production, saying, “We are ready for direct projects with America,” as well as potential other joint purchases and investments.

“We have done a lot together with America and support all efforts to stop the killings and restore a normal, stable, dignified peace. A decent agreement is needed for peace, and Ukraine supports American proposals,” he said.

Trump ‘disappointed’ with Putin after telephone call

Earlier on Friday, Trump said that he came away disappointed from a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday because it does not appear the latter is looking to stop Russia's war against Ukraine.

US attempts to end the war in Ukraine through diplomacy have largely stalled, and Trump is now facing growing calls to increase pressure on Putin to negotiate in earnest.

“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. “I’m just saying I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s too bad.”