Trump, Zelenskyy hold talks on Patriot production, defence ties

Washington: US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelen­skyy at the White House on Tuesday to discuss expanding Ukraine’s defence capabilities, including licensed production of Patriot interceptor systems.

The meeting followed talks at the Nato summit earlier this month in Ankara, Turkiye, where Trump announced that the US would allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot defence systems. After the meeting, Zelenskyy described it as “good” and thanked Trump for supporting Kyiv. He said the leaders discussed Patriot production licences, diplomacy and other measures to strengthen Ukraine’s defence. Trump later called it a “great honour” to meet Zelenskyy and said the discussions went “very well”.

Zelenskyy also met Lockh­e­ed Martin officials and US se­nators, urging continued military support, Patriot missile supplies and tougher sanctions on Russia. The Senate advanced legislation targeting countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.

—AP