Trump Considers Boosting Ukraine’s Air Defenses After Key Zelenskiy Meeting at NATO Summit
Trump Considers Boosting Ukraine’s Air Defenses After Key Zelenskiy Meeting at NATO Summit
In a significant development from the recent NATO summit, former President Donald Trump has indicated he will explore sending additional Patriot air-defense batteries to Ukraine. His commitment follows a “good” and “substantive” 45-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, their first direct encounter since peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow resumed.
The discussion, held on the sidelines of the summit in The Hague, underscored Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities. Recent weeks have seen a brutal escalation of Russian aerial strikes, with a particularly deadly assault on Tuesday claiming 21 lives and injuring over 300, exposing critical vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s defenses. “They do want that more than any other thing,” Trump stated at a news conference, acknowledging the difficulty in procuring the highly sought-after US-made Patriot systems.
President Zelenskiy, who reportedly aimed to persuade the US leader to facilitate weapon sales to Ukraine, described the talks as covering “all the truly important issues,” including achieving a ceasefire and protecting the Ukrainian people. While details remain sparse, Zelenskiy expressed appreciation for Trump’s “attention and the readiness to help bring peace closer.”
The meeting also touched upon broader efforts to end the conflict, now in its fourth year. Trump affirmed his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that Putin “has to end the war.” This comes as current US military aid funding, approved under former President Joe Biden, is set to expire this summer, with Trump having previously signaled a reluctance to renew it. Zelenskiy is reportedly pushing for Kyiv to be allowed to purchase weapons directly and for increased sanctions on Russia as the only viable path to serious peace negotiations.
The interaction between the two leaders marked a notable shift in their dynamic. Following a public disagreement in February, their relationship appears to have mended, with Trump remarking on Wednesday, “He couldn’t have been nicer.” This evolving rapport could prove crucial as Ukraine continues to seek robust international support amidst the ongoing conflict.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.