Zelensky Holds White House Talks with Trump on Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held closed-door talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House, seeking crucial diplomatic and military backing amid the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting, which lasted just over an hour, comes as both Kyiv and Moscow have intensified long-range strikes and with US-led diplomatic efforts to end the conflict stalled.

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Our number one priority is anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America. Peace needs to be brought closer.

Zelensky stated on X that his "number one priority is anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America. Peace needs to be brought closer." This focus on defense comes as last month was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, according to the United Nations, due to Russia's increased use of difficult-to-intercept ballistic missiles. A senior Ukrainian official emphasized the critical need for Washington to approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles.

Relations between Zelensky and Trump have shown signs of warming since the start of Trump's second term. This month, Trump offered Kyiv licenses to produce Patriot air defense missiles and suggested that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia could help expedite the war's end. The leaders last met in Türkiye, where Trump praised Zelensky's performance and discussed ways to "reinvigorate diplomacy" with Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

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It is crucial that Washington approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles. That is super important.

Following the White House meeting and a memorial ceremony for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, Zelensky was scheduled to address senators. This address was planned shortly before an initial procedural vote on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, a measure championed by Graham.

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doing an amazing job