Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office as “good.” The two leaders discussed possible licences to produce interceptor missiles for Patriot air-defence systems and ways to intensify the diplomatic process.
Zelenskyy made the statement following the talks at the White House.
“Thank you for everything we are doing together to protect Ukrainian lives and achieve peace,” the Ukrainian president said.
At the beginning of the meeting, Zelenskyy offered Trump Ukraine’s condolences following the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as a true friend of Ukraine.
Licences to produce interceptor missiles
One of the main topics of the talks was the possibility of obtaining licences to manufacture interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. According to Zelenskyy, the presidents also discussed “several other ideas” that could help Ukraine.
He did not disclose details of those proposals.
Ukraine and the United States have discussed the joint production of munitions for Patriot systems before. On July 23, Zelenskyy met a delegation from Raytheon, which manufactures the systems. The Ukrainian President’s Office said at the time that the company was prepared to develop joint missile production, while Zelenskyy noted that he had previously discussed the matter in detail with Trump.
Both sides seek to intensify diplomacy
Zelenskyy and Trump also discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
“It is important to intensify the diplomatic process. Our teams will coordinate the details of their further communication,” Zelenskyy said.
He did not reveal any specific agreements on the format, participants or timing of future talks.
Several days before his visit to Washington, the Ukrainian president said Russia’s plans for the autumn, as reported by Ukrainian intelligence, did not indicate that Moscow was ready for peace. He stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia to force it to end its aggression.
Zelenskyy thanked the United States for its strong support of Ukraine. The teams of the two presidents are expected to coordinate the details of their further contacts.
