Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that his most recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the week was the most effective and productive conversation they’ve had so far.
“In terms of our latest discussion with the U.S. president, which took place the day before, I believe it was our best and most productive exchange to date,” Zelenskiy said in his nightly video message.
He noted that air defense was a key topic, expressing appreciation for the U.S.’s willingness to assist. “The Patriot missile system is essential for defending against ballistic threats,” Zelenskiy emphasized.
He added that the two leaders also addressed several other significant issues, which would be further examined by officials from both countries in upcoming meetings.
Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday, confirmed the call with Zelenskiy had gone well and reiterated his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing Moscow’s unwillingness to move toward a ceasefire.
When asked if the U.S. would provide additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine—as requested by Zelenskiy—Trump responded, “They’re going to need them for defense… They’re getting hit pretty hard.”
Russia has recently escalated aerial assaults on Kyiv and other cities. Just hours after Trump’s phone call with Putin on Thursday, Russian forces launched the largest drone strike on the Ukrainian capital since the war began over 40 months ago.
