Zelensky and Trump agreed that Ukraine would produce Patriot missiles.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump met in Ankara during the NATO summit. Trump confirmed that the US plans to grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles. What else did the US and Ukrainian presidents discuss? Air force.
"We've actually developed a good relationship. It's hard to believe, isn't it? From the moment we met in the Oval Office until today, we've built a very good relationship," Trump said, smiling at Zelensky.
The Ukrainian President traditionally thanked the United States for its support in defending against Russian aggression, in particular for the PURL program.
On the subject: Robots are changing the course of the war in Ukraine and forcing Russia onto the defensive.
According to Zelensky, several topics were planned to be discussed at the meeting with the US President, primarily the so-called drone agreement and permission for Ukraine to produce missiles for the Patriot air defense system.
"I'm very pleased that our team has begun working on a drone agreement. This is a very good start," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Speaking about licenses for the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine, Trump confirmed that this issue will be discussed with the Ukrainian side.
"It's a defensive weapon, and I like defensive weapons better than offensive ones. And it's the best system," he remarked, referring to air defense. He added that American forces managed to intercept 111 missiles fired by Iran at the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln within one hour, mostly using Patriot systems.
"But one of the things I think we'll be talking about today (a birdie told me so) is that we'll grant them the right to produce Patriot systems. We'll show them how it's done."
"This is actually a very complex process, but you will quickly figure out all the technical nuances," the head of the White House told Zelensky, adding that such discussions are already underway.
According to the US President, the company that produces Patriot missiles is currently building four factories and will be able to increase their production within three to four months.
"So one of the things we'll be discussing is giving you a license to produce Patriots. That's great, right? Then you can't complain that we're not supplying enough. We'll say, 'Make them yourself,'" Trump concluded, adding that he hadn't yet notified the manufacturer about the license being granted to Ukraine.
"I'm sure they'll be thrilled," Trump suggested.
To answer a question about how the United States assesses Ukraine's long-range strikes on oil refineries in Russia, Trump handed the floor to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"I believe this is one of the dynamic changes that has occurred in this war over the past few months. It has become significantly more difficult for the Russians to protect their military aircraft. We hope this will provide additional incentive for them to cooperate to end the war," Rubio said.
"Yes, it is an escalation, but it is an escalation that is capable of bringing it to an end," Trump clarified.
BBC News Ukraine correspondent Myroslava Peca asked the US President whether the United States is prepared to increase pressure on Russia if Vladimir Putin rejects the peace agreement.
"We have a lot of leverage. A lot of pressure on President Putin. You know, I don't think he likes what's going on. I don't think he's happy with the current situation," Trump responded.
Like children in a sandbox
The White House chief reiterated that both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents want peace. However, he described both as "complex characters."
"Sometimes, you know, I use this analogy. It sounds simple, but there's some truth to it. You have two kids in the park who don't like each other and start fighting. Sometimes you have to let them fight. Let them understand how hard it is. Fighting is hard," the US president admitted.
"Last month, 25 people died—young people, children. Two months ago, it was 35. I would say more Russians among them, but they are still people. In fact, there is very little difference between these people. Russians and Ukrainians can live in peace with each other," Trump is convinced.
He believes Vladimir Putin wants to end the war. When asked under what conditions this would be possible, Trump was evasive. He said Putin wants to meet with Zelensky in Moscow.
"I said, 'No, you're not meeting in Moscow. It doesn't work that way. It's impossible,'" Trump recounted their conversation.
Zelensky, answering a question about a possible meeting in Moscow, joked: "There are a lot of Ukrainian drones there. It's dangerous. Going to Moscow is not easy."
As the US President said, they communicate with Putin "a lot" and maintain "good" relations with each other: "In fact, he wants to end the war, although many do not believe it."
What preceded the meeting
Shortly before his trip to the NATO summit, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with the American president by telephone.
The conversation took place on July 4, US Independence Day.
"We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance it has provided—from Javelins and Patriot missiles to political support—and we greatly appreciate America's support in defending our independence. I am grateful to all American hearts that care about the future of Ukraine, Europe, and all people around the world for whom freedom matters," Zelenskyy wrote following the conversation.
He called the phone call with Trump "very good." The leaders discussed, among other things, the current situation on the front lines and diplomatic efforts.
Already after the NATO summit began on July 7—the day before the in-person meeting—each of the presidents made several statements about the war in Ukraine.
In particular, Zelenskyy emphasized that, thanks to its military potential, Ukraine deserves a place in the Alliance.
"If Ukraine can fight like this, it's logical for these capabilities to become part of NATO's collective defense. This will make us all stronger," the Ukrainian president emphasized.
He called on partners to help Ukraine with air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
"This is our top priority right now. We can do everything else ourselves, but when it comes to air defense, we need the resolve of our partners. Let this resolve be the main outcome of this summit in Ankara," Zelenskyy concluded.
In turn, Donald Trump announced on July 7 that he had recently held telephone conversations with Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky.
"I think they both want to make a deal. It's a shame it took so long. But I think something will happen, something will come of it. It doesn't seem likely right now, but sometimes when it comes to war, I find that just when it seems least likely, it happens," Trump assured.
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The American president regularly changes his assessments of Russia's war against Ukraine and the role of Volodymyr Zelenskyy—sometimes his statements turn out to be directly contradictory.
Thus, in February 2025, Trump emotionally declared that the Ukrainian leader “has no cards” for victory.
However, on June 24 of this year, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, he noted that Zelensky was “doing a good job” and even praised him for his courage.
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