Zelenskyy, Trump address arms halt, Russian attacks, air defense during call
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call, as confirmed by the Presidential Office.
Zelenskyy reported that the discussion covered Russian air strikes and the broader frontline situation.
“President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine. We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams,” Zelenskyy wrote.
The two also discussed defense industry capabilities and opportunities for joint production in detail.
“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,” Zelenskyy said.
The leaders also addressed mutual procurement, investments, the diplomatic situation, and cooperation with the U.S. and other partners.
Background
According to media reports, Trump and Zelenskyy planned to discuss the abrupt halt of U.S. weapons deliveries to Kyiv.
Public broadcaster Suspilne, citing a source, noted that preparations for the call began before official confirmation of the suspension.
Sources from the Financial Times indicated that Zelenskyy intended to raise the issue of potential future arms sales, with Ukraine expressing readiness to purchase a “large aid package” from the U.S. Kyiv had already submitted a list of desired weapons and is awaiting a response.
The last $500 million U.S. aid package was announced in January under President Joe Biden. In March, it was reported that Ukraine had received 90% of the weapons allocated by the previous administration.
On July 1, U.S. media reported that the Pentagon, under the direction of Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, paused deliveries of certain air defense missiles and precision munitions to Ukraine, citing concerns over depleted U.S. arsenals.
According to PBS News correspondent Nick Schifrin, the suspension includes PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot systems, 155mm artillery shells, GMLRS rockets for M270 MLRS and HIMARS, Stinger anti-tank missiles, AIM-7, and Hellfire missiles.
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