US President Donald Trump voiced support for Ukraine’s long-range strikes inside Russia and announced plans to deepen defense cooperation with Kyiv during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.
Trump said the United States would grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air defense systems domestically and suggested Washington could also purchase Ukrainian-made drones.
“This is an escalation, but an escalation that could accelerate the end of the war,” Trump said, referring to Ukraine’s strikes deep inside Russian territory.
The US president also said he was prepared to send additional Patriot missiles from American stockpiles but noted that Pentagon inventories had been reduced due to years of military assistance to Ukraine and the war with Iran.
“We will give you a license so you can produce Patriots yourselves. That’s pretty cool. That way, you won’t be able to complain that we’re not giving you enough,” Trump said.
He added that he had not yet discussed the proposal with the companies manufacturing the systems but expressed confidence they would support the initiative.
Trump praised Ukraine’s military achievements and commended President Zelensky, saying the two leaders had built a strong relationship following their previously contentious meeting in the Oval Office.
The US president also said that while the United States manufactures “great drones,” it may also purchase drones produced in Ukraine.
“They produce a lot of drones, and it’s a tremendous opportunity. They’re inexpensive. You have very talented people,” Trump told Zelensky.
Following the meeting, Trump announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed hope that Putin and Zelensky would eventually hold direct talks to advance the peace process. However, Trump noted that Putin wants such a meeting to take place in Moscow, which he described as unrealistic.
Trump then asked Zelensky whether he would travel to Moscow.
“That would be difficult. There are a lot of Ukrainian drones there, and it’s dangerous,” Zelensky replied.
