Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he expects to meet US President Donald Trump before the end of September, with Kyiv urgently seeking additional air-defense missiles as another winter of Russian attacks approaches.
Securing more interceptors for Ukraine’s Patriot systems is expected to be high on Zelenskyy’s agenda. Kyiv says its current supplies are insufficient to counter the continuing threat from ballistic missiles and wants a new “winter package” of air-defense equipment in place before the colder months.
“I am counting on a meeting with President Trump, where I will raise this issue, and God willing, there will be a result,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv had already presented its requirements to US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during their weekend visit to the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian officials provided details on the number of missiles required and how quickly they would need to arrive.
The discussions come as diplomatic efforts to end the war appear to be entering a new phase. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is moving toward a possible three-way negotiating format involving Kyiv, Washington and Moscow.
The United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Turkey are among the countries being considered as potential hosts. Possible talks could cover energy infrastructure, grain exports and humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges.
Zelenskyy has also insisted that European countries should have a role in future negotiations, arguing that any settlement will have direct consequences for the continent’s security.
At the same time, Kyiv and Washington are discussing the possibility of eventually producing Patriot missiles in Ukraine, which could provide the country with a more sustainable supply of air-defense weapons.
The urgency was underscored by another Russian attack on Kyiv. A drone struck a television station while journalists were broadcasting live, partially damaging the building and injuring at least five people, according to Zelenskyy.
Britain has meanwhile announced approximately €116 million in additional support for Ukraine’s winter defense needs, including assistance for Patriot systems, other air-defense interceptors, artillery ammunition and drones.
For Kyiv, strengthening its defenses before winter has become a race against time as diplomatic negotiations continue alongside the fighting.
