In The Hague, Ukraine and U.S. reaffirm defence partnership as Zelenskyy pushes for air‑defence systems and drone co‑production
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a “good meeting” on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, focusing on Ukraine’s urgent military needs amid ongoing Russian aggression.
In The Hague [Netherlands], June 26: Zelenskyy meets Trump to deepen military cooperation, with discussions centered on bolstering Ukraine’s air‑defence capabilities and expanding joint drone production. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic initiative amid mounting Russian missile strikes.
Ukraine’s president confirmed he urged Trump to help secure U.S.-made air-defence systems, particularly Patriot missiles, saying, “Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers. Europe can help.”
Trump acknowledged their effectiveness and suggested Ukraine might soon receive additional supplies.
They also discussed co-production of drones to strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry and integrate it into Western supply chains.
Zelenskyy emphasized that their focus was driven by the intensifying Russian missile onslaught – including a devastating strike in Dnipro that killed at least 17 civilians and injured more than 200.
Beyond bilateral support, NATO members agreed at the summit to raise collective defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% earmarked for core military needs and 1.5% for broader security efforts. Trump hailed the commitment as “a big win for the U.S. and Western civilisation.”
Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for his congratulations on U.S. strikes in the Middle East, which were acknowledged to have degraded Iran’s nuclear and drone infrastructure.
He reported on humanitarian efforts, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of fallen soldiers.
Why this matters
- Strengthened air defence: Ukraine’s commitment to purchasing Patriot systems—backed by U.S. approval—marks a potential game-changer in protecting cities, churches, and civilians from missile and drone attacks.
- Boosting defence industry: Drone co-production signals a strategic shift toward building Ukraine’s domestic defence capabilities and weaving it more tightly into Western defence ecosystems.
- NATO unity: The 5% GDP defence spending pledge underscores a fortified transatlantic front against Russian aggression.
- Humanitarian and diplomatic progress: Zelenskyy’s direct engagement and updates on humanitarian efforts add moral and strategic depth to Ukraine’s international standing.