Ukraine’s Zelensky says discussed buying US air-defence systems with Trump
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Nato summit in the Netherlands on June 25.
PHOTO: AFP
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- Zelensky lobbied Trump at the Hague for US investment in Ukraine's defence, focusing on ceasefire, peace, and protecting Ukrainians.
- Zelensky and Trump discussed Ukraine buying US air-defence systems, with Kyiv ready to support American weapons manufacturers with European help.
- Trump vaguely promised to consider supplying Patriot missiles and discussed potential joint drone production with Ukraine, calling the meeting "nice".
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KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 25 said he had discussed buying US air-defence systems with President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of Nato’s summit in The Hague.
Ukraine is scrambling to protect its skies after Russia intensified aerial attacks, launching hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles almost every day, killing civilians and damaging houses and infrastructure.
On June 24, a Russian drone and missile barrage on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region
“We discussed the protection of our people with the President – first and foremost, the purchase of American air-defence systems,” Mr Zelensky said, on social media.
He added that Kyiv was “ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers” and that “Europe can help.”
When asked if he would supply Ukraine with the Patriot missiles, one of the most advanced air defence systems in the world, Mr Trump vaguely promised “to see if we can make some available”, adding that Washington was also supplying Israel with them.
The two leaders have also discussed a potential joint drone production, Mr Zelensky said, describing the 50-minute exchange with Mr Trump as “good” and “substantive”.
“Couldn’t have been nicer,” Mr Trump said, after the closely watched meeting held behind closed doors. AFP
