Zelensky and Trump hold White House talks on air defences and peace
Ukrainian president met US president after being hosted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Portsmouth naval base
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Volodymyr Zelensky held face-to-face talks with Donald Trump at the White House this week, discussing air defence systems and the need for renewed peace negotiations with Russia, the Ukrainian president confirmed. The meeting, which was closed to the press, marked a significant improvement in relations between the two leaders after previous tensions, including a public clash in the Oval Office last year.
Zelensky wrote on social media platform X that the pair had spoken about Trump's recent pledge at the Nato summit to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, along with 'several other ideas that could help'. He added: 'We also spoke about diplomacy – it’s important that the diplomatic process be reinvigorated.' The request to produce the defence system had been a long-standing priority for Kyiv to counter Russian rocket attacks.
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UK visit and funeral attendance
The Ukrainian leader flew to Washington after being hosted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Portsmouth naval base. Burnham said it was 'no accident' that Zelensky was his first international guest since taking office, and assured that the UK could be relied upon 'for as long as it takes'. The visit underscored British support for Ukraine as the war enters its fifth year.
“A true friend of Ukraine”
Volodymyr Zelensky, on the late Senator Lindsey Graham
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Following the White House talks, Zelensky attended the funeral of Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly. One of Graham's final actions was a trip to Kyiv where he helped secure cross-party support for sanctions targeting countries that buy Russian oil, gas and other exports. Zelensky hailed Graham as 'a true friend of Ukraine'.
Other meetings and reactions
Trump also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the funeral. Netanyahu described the conversation as 'excellent' in a video posted on Instagram, saying they discussed ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X that both meetings 'were positive and productive'.
Before the talks, Zelensky warned that Russia was providing Iran with satellite imagery to enable strikes on US bases in the Gulf region. Trump downplayed any impact of potential Russian assistance for Iran.
Questions this report answers
+What did Zelensky and Trump discuss at the White House?
Zelensky and Trump discussed air defence systems, including the production of Patriot missile interceptors, and the need to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia. The meeting was described as positive and productive, marking an improvement in their relationship after past tensions.
+Why did Zelensky attend Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral?
Zelensky attended Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral because he considered Graham 'a true friend of Ukraine' who had secured sanctions against countries buying Russian oil and gas. Graham had also supported Ukraine during his lifetime, including a recent trip to Kyiv.
+What did Prime Minister Andy Burnham promise Zelensky during his UK visit?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged that the UK would continue supporting Ukraine 'for as long as it takes' during Zelensky's visit to Portsmouth naval base. Burnham called Zelensky his first international guest since taking office, highlighting the visit's significance.
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