Zelenskyy Holds Productive Talks with Trump and NATO's Rutte on Ukraine’s Defense
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he recently had “good conversations” with both U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Zelenskyy's post on social media platform X.
The discussions focused on measures to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and protect its civilian population and infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy shared that President Trump provided insights from his recent meeting with NATO’s Rutte.
The Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of the strong relationship between Ukraine and its NATO allies, particularly as member countries aim to increase defense spending.
“We discussed the necessary means and solutions with the President to provide better protection for people from Russian attacks and to strengthen our positions. We are ready to work as productively as possible to achieve peace,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that he and Trump had agreed to stay in close contact and coordinate their steps moving forward, thanking Trump for his continued support in the effort to end the violence and establish a lasting peace.
In addition, Zelenskyy held a phone call with NATO Secretary General Rutte, where they explored the ongoing cooperation between Europe and the United States in reinforcing support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy noted the agreement to provide additional “Patriot” missile defense systems, with the U.S., Germany, and Norway working together to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Further weapons supplies are also expected to support Ukraine in repelling Russian assaults.
During a meeting with Rutte, President Trump stated that the U.S. would produce weapons for Ukraine, with European nations covering the costs.
"We make the best equipment, the best missiles. European countries know this, and today we have a deal where we will send them the weapons, and they will pay for them," Trump confirmed.
Trump also expressed expectations of a peace agreement within the next 50 days. If no resolution is reached, he warned that the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff on Russian goods. Previously, Germany had indicated its readiness to purchase additional Patriot systems from the U.S. to provide further support to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukraine is prepared to buy 10 Patriot air defense systems from the U.S. for $15 billion, with some European partners offering financial assistance in the endeavor.
Read more on The Gaze: What Specific Military Assistance Does Ukraine Need From Partners?