US President Donald Trump said he had a good conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky and stressed that the United States will continue to help Ukraine.
Trump told reporters this on board Air Force One, Reuters reports.
Trump's conversation with Zelensky
According to sources, the conversation between the two presidents lasted 40 minutes.
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“I think it was a very good conversation, a very strategic conversation. We helped them and will continue to help them. The situation is quite complicated. Let's see what happens next,” he added.
Ukraine Needs Patriot Missiles for Defense
When asked whether the US would agree to supply Ukraine with more Patriot missiles, as Zelensky requested, Trump responded that the Ukrainians need Patriot missiles for defense, since the country is subject to quite strong attacks.
– Yes, it is possible (the US will agree to supply missiles). We are considering this issue… They (Patriot) need them for defense. I do not want to see children killed. They (Patriot) are incredibly effective. You know, we shot down 14 out of 14 targets. It is quite incredible if you think about it, – said Donald Trump.
When asked about the prospects for a ceasefire, Trump responded that the situation is very difficult, because Putin wants to go all the way and continue killing people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had discussed joint production of defense products with the American leader, as well as joint purchases and investments to better protect the skies. Ukraine has repeatedly asked Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems, which are effective in shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.
“We discussed the issue of joint production in great detail. We need it, America needs it,” Zelensky said in his evening video address.
Washington's decision to halt some arms sales to Ukraine has alarmed Kyiv, with Germany saying it is in talks to buy Patriot missile systems to fill the gap.
On July 3, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the United States had suspended military aid not only to Ukraine but also to other partners, for an internal review of defense reserves.
A Reuters source said Trump and Zelensky were optimistic about resuming Patriot missile deliveries after a “very good conversation.”
Trump said he also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Patriot missiles, but no decision has been made yet.
Under Joe Biden, Kyiv received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the US. Trump criticized his predecessor for sending weapons to Ukraine without receiving anything in return.
