After the biggest Russian blitz yet, Trump promises air defences for Ukraine - a day after 'very disappointing' phone call with Putin
The US President made the pledge after a 'very disappointing' phone call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday night, with Russia launching the barrage hours after.
Mr Trump spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday and seemingly vowed to 'strengthen the protection' of Ukraine's skies. They also discussed joint industrial projects.
The two leaders, who have previously traded insults and fell out spectacularly at the White House earlier this year, spoke at length hours after Putin fired a record 539 drones and 11 missiles at Ukraine. The bombardment left at least one dead and 23 injured in Kyiv.
The attack, described as 'absolutely horrible' by Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, was launched after the call between Mr Trump and Putin, with the Russian leader refusing to agree to a ceasefire.
Mr Trump, who has been criticised for not being tough enough with Putin to force him to make concessions, said: 'I don't think he's there. I don't think he's looking to stop this fighting.'
While no specific commitments emerged yesterday, it appears the US is willing to give Ukraine additional air defence systems as Mr Zelensky said on social media that he and Mr Trump had a 'fruitful conversation', with Ukraine 'grateful' for the support.
He added: 'Today we discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments. President Trump is very well informed.
A Ukrainian serviceman of the mobile air defense unit sits behind an anti-UAV machine gun tracking Russian drones in the sky during a patrol on November 29, 2024 in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine
'We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies.
'We are ready for direct projects with the United States.'
Last night, another strike caused a blackout in Ukraine after destroying the power line connecting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to the country's power grid.
It follows reports that the US is to reduce the amount of military hardware it gives Ukraine, with US defence officials yesterday denying rumours of a weapons shortage.
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