Trump and Zelensky discussed weapons and escalation of Russian attacks

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he discussed air defense with US President Donald Trump and agreed to work on increasing Kyiv's ability to "defend the sky" as Russian attacks escalate, Reuters reported.

In a message on Telegram, he added that he discussed joint defense production with the US leader, as well as joint purchases and investments.

Ukraine has asked Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems, which it considers key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air attacks.

Washington's decision to halt some arms deliveries to Ukraine has drawn warnings from Kyiv that it will weaken its ability to defend against Russian air attacks and advances on the battlefield. Germany has announced it is in negotiations to purchase Patriot air defense systems to bridge the gap.
A source familiar with the call told Reuters that they were optimistic that Patriot missile deliveries could resume after what they called a "very good" conversation between the two presidents.

The American portal Axios reported, citing unnamed sources, that the call lasted about forty minutes and that Trump told Zelensky that he would check which US weapons, if any, that were supposed to be sent to Ukraine, had been put on hold.

Zelensky, speaking later in his evening video address, said that he and Trump agreed to "organize a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defense. We had a very detailed discussion about joint production. We need it, America needs it."

The conversation took place a day after Trump stated that he had a disappointing conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia attacked Kyiv with a large barrage of drones, several hours after Trump's conversation with Putin on Thursday. Zelensky called the attack "deliberately massive and cynical."

Trump spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, according to Der Spiegel, citing government sources. They discussed the situation in Ukraine, including strengthening its air defense, as well as trade issues, Der Spiegel reported on Friday.

Kyiv had previously received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the United States in the form of aid under President Joe Biden.

Trump has criticized him for sending weapons to Ukraine for free, and since taking office, he has overseen a dramatic deterioration in relations with Kyiv.