Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will travel to Washington this week for talks with US President Donald Trump, with discussions expected to focus on air defence systems and strategies to intensify pressure on Russia amid renewed strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Speaking in Kyiv on Monday, Zelensky confirmed that his meeting with Trump is scheduled for Friday, marking his third visit to the White House since January. The visit comes at a critical time as Ukraine battles to protect its energy facilities from escalating Russian attacks.
“We discussed some sensitive issues. That conversation was not enough, even though it was substantive,” Zelensky said, referring to two phone calls he had with Trump over the weekend.
Trump, speaking briefly to reporters during a refuelling stop on his return from the Middle East, also confirmed the planned meeting, saying, “I think so, yeah.”
Ukraine Pushes for Air Defence and Strategic Partnerships
Zelensky said he would join a Ukrainian delegation already in Washington for a series of talks with US lawmakers, defence companies, and policymakers. The team includes Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the heads of the presidential office, national security council, and foreign affairs officials.
“The main topics are air defence and our possibilities to pressure Russia,” Zelensky said, noting that he will also meet representatives from major American defence firms to secure new equipment and support.
The Ukrainian president emphasised that cooperation with the United States remains crucial as Russian forces intensify missile and drone strikes on energy networks ahead of winter.
A Test of US–Ukraine Relations Under Trump
The visit will test Ukraine’s ability to maintain strong diplomatic and military ties with Washington amid a shifting US political climate. While Trump has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the scale of American aid to Ukraine, he has maintained that his administration wants to help Kyiv “defend itself effectively.”
Zelensky’s trip underscores Kyiv’s urgent push to sustain Western backing — both militarily and politically — as the war enters another challenging phase.
