Zelensky in US to press Trump on air defences
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss strengthening Kyiv's anti-ballistic missile defenses, particularly the potential co-production of Patriot interceptor missiles in Ukraine.
- Zelensky's visit comes amid intense drone attacks on Moscow, with the city's mayor reporting over 390 Ukrainian drone strikes overnight, most of which were intercepted by Russian air defenses.
- The talks also occur alongside heightened tensions involving Iran, with Ukraine accusing Tehran of aiding Russian aggression by sharing satellite imagery, a claim Trump has pledged to investigate.
- Following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking their first in-person discussion since the US-Israel conflict with Iran escalated in February.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned what he called "terrorist methods" used by enemies against Russian civilians and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to victory, while Kazakhstan's president suggested peace talks could be possible if the war is paused.