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Zelenskyy, Trump hold call, discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defence amid rising Russian attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump to discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defences, as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to escalate across Ukrainian cities.
According to The Guardian report, in a statement posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy said President Trump was 'very well informed' about the situation on the ground and that both leaders 'discussed the possibilities of air defence and agreed that we will work on increasing the protection in the sky.'
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The two also agreed to hold a separate meeting between their respective teams to explore practical steps in this direction, added the report.
Zelenskyy said that the conversation, which lasted roughly 40 minutes, included discussions on future joint arms production initiatives.
'We are ready for direct projects with America,' Zelenskyy was quoted as saying, pointing to the potential for other joint purchases and investment partnerships.
Marking the occasion of US Independence Day, the Ukrainian president extended his best wishes to the American people and expressed gratitude for US support so far.
'We have done a lot together with America and support all efforts to stop the killings and restore a normal, stable, dignified peace. A decent agreement is needed for peace, and Ukraine supports American proposals,' The Guardian quoted him as saying.
The conversation came after Trump's Thursday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to its war objectives despite US calls for a ceasefire.
After the call with Putin, Trump told reporters he was 'very disappointed,' adding, 'I don't think he's there… I don't think he's looking to stop this fighting.'
The call also followed the US Defence Department's decision to pause shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery rounds.
Kyiv has warned that the delay risks weakening its air defences and emboldening Moscow.
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Despite repeated frustrations over Russia's aggression, the Trump administration has not imposed new sanctions or approved additional aid for Ukraine since taking office in January.
Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed earlier this year in Istanbul.
However, the two negotiation rounds on May 16 and June 2 have only led to prisoner exchanges, with no progress toward a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, just hours after launching the largest drone and missile assault since the start of the invasio, Russia on Friday said it sees no immediate diplomatic path to end the war in Ukraine.
The intense, hours-long bombardment forced residents across Ukraine to seek shelter, underscoring the worsening security situation.
The strikes came shortly after a call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which reportedly ended without any breakthrough.
Following the conversation, Trump acknowledged there had been no progress in talks with Putin to end more than three years of conflict since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022.
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