Zelenskyy showed his 'trump cards': what happened at the meeting with Trump - media

Zelenskyy and Trump held an hour-long meeting in Washington, discussing strengthening Ukraine's air defense and diplomatic steps to end the war. Trump acknowledged that Ukraine must be reckoned with. The sides also discussed licensed production of missiles for Patriot systems. Zelenskyy stated that Russia is not ready for peace and plans to mobilize 500,000 people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump held an hour-long meeting at the White House, focusing on two strategic directions: strengthening Ukraine's air defense system and further diplomatic steps to end the war. According to The Times, the talks were successful, with both leaders giving positive assessments. Trump on Truth Social called the meeting a 'great honor' and 'very good.' Zelenskyy in an interview with Fox News emphasized that Kyiv and Washington are interested in ending the war, but Russia is not showing readiness. He stated that Putin plans a large-scale mobilization in early autumn of 500,000 people, and the Russian army loses about 30,000 servicemen monthly. A key topic was expanding air defense, including obtaining licenses for the production of interceptor missiles for Patriot. Zelenskyy held a separate meeting with Lockheed Martin leadership. Former US Ambassador John Herbst noted different priorities: Zelenskyy emphasized defense production, Trump emphasized diplomacy. The Times reports that White House special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may arrive in Kyiv. A White House source explained Trump's changed attitude toward Zelenskyy by Ukraine's ability to resist and achieve results on the battlefield.