Monday, 25 May 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump meeting at NATO's summit in The Hague. Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky X account
Trump and Zelenskiy address weapon supplies
KYIV/WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that he and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed Ukraine’s air defence needs during a phone call on Friday, pledging to bolster Kyiv’s ability to “defend the sky” as Russian assaults grow more severe.
In a statement on Telegram, Zelenskiy said their conversation also covered joint defence manufacturing, procurement initiatives, and opportunities for mutual investment, Reuters reported.
Ukraine has appealed to Washington for additional Patriot missile systems, which are regarded as critical to protecting its cities against escalating Russian aerial bombardments.
The United States recently paused some weapon shipments to Ukraine, a move Kyiv has cautioned could undermine its capacity to repel Russian air raids and ground offensives. Germany has stepped in, announcing talks to acquire Patriot air defence systems to help bridge the gap.
A source familiar with the call told Reuters they were encouraged that Patriot missile deliveries might restart soon, citing what they described as a “very good” discussion between the two presidents.
According to U.S. outlet Axios, which referenced unnamed sources, the call lasted approximately 40 minutes. Trump reportedly assured Zelenskiy he would review which U.S. weapon shipments to Ukraine, if any, have been suspended.
Their conversation took place one day after Trump said he had an unsatisfactory call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the heels of that exchange, Russia launched its most extensive drone strike of the war on Kyiv, striking the capital just hours after Trump’s discussion with Putin.
Zelenskiy condemned the drone barrage as “deliberately massive and cynical.”
On Thursday, Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to government sources cited by Spiegel magazine. The conversation focused on Ukraine’s security—particularly reinforcing its air defences—as well as trade issues, Spiegel reported Friday.
Previously, Kyiv received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the United States as part of aid provided by President Joe Biden.
Trump has criticized Biden for supplying Ukraine with weapons without securing reciprocal gains, and since assuming office, he has dramatically altered the U.S. relationship with Kyiv.