Air defense, arms, and energy: Ambassador sums up Zelenskyy's US visit
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump (GettyImages)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his visit to Washington, informed US President Donald Trump about the situation at the frontlines, the consequences of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's energy system, and the state's priority defense needs, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Olha Stefanishyna wrote about this on Telegram.
According to her, the main focus was on the need to strengthen air defense and obtain long-range weapons.
"The presidents agreed that the United States, together with European partners, must play a key role in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security. We are counting on further pressure on Russia to bring the war closer to an end," Stefanishyna said.
She noted that during the visit, Zelenskyy held a number of productive meetings aimed at deepening cooperation in security, defense, and energy.
In particular, there was a meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright with representatives of key energy companies — Bechtel, GE Vernova, Holtec International, Invenergy, Westinghouse Electric Company, and others. Projects discussed included the supply of American LNG, development of nuclear energy, and modernization of the Ukrainian energy system.
Separately, according to the ambassador, the president met with the leadership of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. They discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, in particular the supply of Patriot systems, missiles for them, and F-16 aircraft, as well as prospects for joint production.
Zelenskyy also participated in a discussion with leading American analytical centers regarding further development of Ukrainian-American relations and ways to achieve a just peace.
Zelenskyy and Trump negotiations
On October 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House with US President Donald Trump. After the negotiations, Trump stated that the United States seeks to end the war without providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.
The American president emphasized that hostilities must be stopped along the current frontlines, regardless of their location. The day before, he held a phone call with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and after the meeting with Zelenskyy, announced preparations for a new summit with the president of Russia.
Negotiations between Trump and Putin are scheduled in Budapest within the next two weeks. Zelenskyy will join them in the format of a remote mediator.
