Zelenskyy, Meloni discuss anti-ballistic cooperation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the Ankara NATO Summit to discuss crucial security matters, including bolstering anti-ballistic capabilities and addressing Ukraine's urgent air defense requirements. The discussions occurred as Russia intensified its missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.

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Russia does not stop attacking our cities and communities. Today, there were ballistic missile strikes again, and attack drones were launched as well. Sadly, there are people killed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Russia has taken the lives of five people. My condolences to their families and loved ones.

Zelenskyy informed Meloni about the severe security situation, highlighting recent ballistic missile and drone attacks that resulted in civilian casualties in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the five individuals killed, emphasizing that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities persist. The leaders explored prospects for collaborative efforts within Europe to enhance anti-ballistic defenses, aiming to provide greater protection for Ukraine and other European nations.

During their talks, the need for additional interceptors for Ukraine's air defense system was a key focus. Zelenskyy expressed his strong reliance on international support, noting Italy's consistent principled assistance in protecting lives. This plea underscores Ukraine's ongoing struggle to counter Russian aerial assaults.

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We discussed the prospects for our joint work in Europe on anti-ballistic capabilities to provide greater protection for everyone - both Ukraine and every country.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, also present at the summit, shared his optimism regarding a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Trump stated he had productive conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that both leaders are eager to resolve the conflict. "I think they both want to make a deal. It's too bad it took so long, but I think there's going to be -- something's going to come out," Trump commented.

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We spoke about the need for additional interceptors, and we are counting very much on support. Italy has always helped in a principled way to protect life.

However, Trump maintained that his assessment of the conflict's core dynamics had not changed. When asked about potential concessions from Putin, he replied, "Never changed." Trump also noted the significant impact of the war on Europe, stating, "It doesn't affect us. It affects Europe much more. We're there to help Europe, but it doesn't affect the United States." He described the violence as immense, calling it "carnage" that should cease.

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I think they both want to make a deal. It's too bad it took so long, but I think there's going to be -- something's going to come out.