Ukraine, U.S. to strengthen air defense after Zelenskyy-Trump phone talks

Zelenskyy reported this on Telegram.

“A very important and useful conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. I congratulated President Trump and all the American people on Independence Day. We in Ukraine are grateful for all the support provided, which helps us protect lives and our independence. We have accomplished a great deal together with America and support all efforts to stop the killings and restore a normal, sustainable, and just peace,” he wrote.

According to Zelenskyy, the two discussed Russian airstrikes and the situation on the front line.

“President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for this attention to Ukraine. We discussed options for air defense and agreed to work on strengthening sky protection. We also agreed on an appropriate meeting between our teams,” the Ukrainian leader said.

The presidents also talked about defense industry capabilities, joint production, mutual procurement, and investments.

“We are ready for direct projects with America and believe this is extremely necessary for security, especially regarding drones and related technologies. We exchanged views on the diplomatic situation and joint work with America and other partners,” Zelenskyy concluded.

Trump says he wants to help Ukraine with air defense

Axios, citing its own sources, reports that during a call with Zelenskyy, the U.S. president said Washington wants to support Ukraine’s air defense amid escalating Russian attacks.

According to the sources, the conversation between the leaders lasted about 40 minutes.

"Trump said he wants to help with air defense and that he will check what was put on hold if anything," the source said.

The presidents also agreed on a future meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. teams to discuss deliveries of air defense systems and other weapons.

• Trump, on Thursday, July 3, also held a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The U.S. leader raised the issue of ending the war in Ukraine, while the Kremlin chief claimed that Moscow “continues to seek a negotiated solution to the Ukrainian conflict.”