Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in private discussions with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, aiming to secure vital military assistance and diplomatic backing as the conflict with Russia continues.
The meeting lasted slightly over an hour. It took place against the backdrop of intensifying long-range attacks by both Kyiv and Moscow, while American-led peace initiatives remain stalled.
Relations between the two leaders have shown significant improvement during Trump’s second presidential term. Earlier this month, Trump proposed licensing Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense missiles and indicated that Ukrainian strikes within Russian territory might accelerate an end to the war.
More than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Zelensky is advocating for new shipments of anti-ballistic missiles and looking to restart diplomatic channels, according to a senior Ukrainian official speaking to AFP anonymously.
”Our number-one priority is anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America. Peace needs to be brought closer,” Zelensky posted on X upon arriving in the United States.
Data from the United Nations shows that the previous month was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, largely driven by Russia’s increased deployment of hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles.
”It is crucial that Washington approve the purchase of a package of Patriot missiles. That is super important,” the Ukrainian official added.
During his visit, Zelensky also intends to attend a memorial service for Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a firm ally of Ukraine who unexpectedly passed away this month at age 71.
Since taking office again early last year, Trump has shifted away from direct US weapons transfers to Kyiv, opting instead for a framework where European nations purchase American arms on Ukraine’s behalf. Nevertheless, Washington continues to provide key intelligence alongside access to the Starlink satellite communications network vital for battlefield operations.
This current working relationship marks a clear recovery from an intense exchange in the Oval Office in February 2025, during which Trump accused Zelensky of ingratitude and “gambling with World War III.”
By their subsequent meeting in Turkey this month, Trump offered praise, remarking that Zelensky was doing “an amazing job” while proposing the licensing arrangement for Kyiv to build Patriot missiles locally.
Last week, Zelensky conferred with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss strategies to “reinvigorate diplomacy” after conflict in the Middle East shifted Washington’s primary focus away from Ukraine. Earlier US mediation attempts had faltered over disagreement regarding Ukrainian territory claimed by Moscow.
Following his White House conference and the memorial for Graham, Zelensky was scheduled to address US senators at 6:00 pm (2200 GMT), just ahead of a preliminary procedural vote on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill.
Graham had advocated for the measure for over a year and reached an accord with the White House on updated language shortly before his death. While the bill currently boasts 62 Senate co-sponsors, a group of Democrats has expressed reservations regarding clauses that would grant Trump expanded authority to levy tariffs on nations purchasing Russian energy.
