Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that his latest phone call with President Donald Trump was the most productive the two leaders have had since Trump returned to office.
“Regarding the conversation with the president of the United States, which took place a day earlier, it was probably the best conversation we have had during this whole time — the most productive,” Zelensky said during his nightly video address.
The two leaders reportedly focused on Ukraine’s urgent air defense needs, with Zelensky specifically thanking Trump for his openness to help. “The Patriot system is precisely the key to protection against ballistic threats,” Zelensky said, referring to U.S.-made missile defense systems.
Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday, confirmed the call took place and emphasized the need for Ukraine to be able to defend itself. “They’re going to need them for defense,” Trump said when asked about Patriot missile deliveries. “They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard.”
According to Zelensky, additional matters were discussed that will be handled in upcoming meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
The conversation came just one day after Trump’s tense call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Trump reportedly expressed frustration with Moscow’s lack of willingness to move toward a ceasefire. Hours later, Russia launched one of its largest drone attacks yet on Kyiv — further underlining the stakes of the conflict.
The Trump administration has maintained that any peace in Eastern Europe must come from strength, not appeasement — a position echoed in the latest exchange between Washington and Kyiv.