Trump and Zelensky Discuss Ukraine’s Security

On Thursday, President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in discussions about enhancing the protection of Ukraine’s airspace as Russia continues its aerial assaults, with little advancement in peace negotiations recently.

Zelensky described their conversation as “very detailed” following a meeting known as the “Willing’s Union” in Paris, mentioning that Ukraine proposed a new way to safeguard its skies that Washington should consider. European leaders have also been vocal about this issue.

“Initially, we focused on steering the situation toward actual peace. We looked at different strategies. Most importantly, we’re applying robust measures—especially economic ones—to compel the aggressors to cease fire,” Zelensky shared in a post on the social platform X.

He added, “We also discussed how to maximize the safety of Ukraine’s airspace. Until peace is achieved, Ukrainians shouldn’t be subjected to ongoing Russian strikes. Russian missiles and drones must not take innocent lives. Ukraine is putting forth a protection plan for the U.S. to consider.”

Ukraine has been advocating for more U.S. air defense systems to shield its civilians against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. While Trump had previously halted additional financial support for Ukraine, he encouraged NATO allies to procure U.S. weapons for Ukraine’s defense.

During a press conference, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that 26 countries are prepared to send troops in various capacities to ensure the security of Ukraine after the war.

Zelensky mentioned that Poland, Italy, and Germany are among Kyiv’s “security guarantors,” standing alongside Macron during the conference.

Trump, joining the discussion on Thursday, urged European nations to stop purchasing Russian oil as a way to impede the ongoing invasion that began in late February 2022.

“President Trump reiterated that Europe must halt its Russian oil imports, which fund the war. In one year, Russia profited 1.1 billion euros [$1.28 billion] from fuel sales to the EU. He also stressed the need for European leaders to apply economic pressure on China to hinder its support for Russia,” a statement from White House officials noted.

The gathering in Paris occurs as efforts to broker a peace agreement with Russia seem to be at a standstill.

After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month in Alaska and shortly thereafter with Zelensky and European leaders, Trump called for a meeting between the two leaders.

Putin, however, has not committed to such a meeting. On Wednesday, he questioned the validity of engaging with Ukrainian leaders this week, suggesting instead that it might happen in Moscow.

In a recent interview, Trump expressed skepticism about Putin and Zelensky meeting but also showed confidence in facilitating a private discussion among the three of them.

“Something’s going to happen, but they’re not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We’ll get it done,” the president commented.

In remarks made during a meeting of the “Coalition of Ambitiousness,” Zelensky discussed efforts to enhance Ukraine’s security assurances.

“We have revised the elements of security assurance. We appreciate everyone who understands that a strong Ukrainian military is the cornerstone of our security,” Zelensky stated.

“We must boost our support for Ukraine and escalate pressure on Russia,” the Ukrainian leader urged, indicating that preparations for the 19th EU sanctions package are underway, with Japan also working on similar measures.