Zelensky on Drone Agreement with U.S.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that Ukraine is prepared to formalize an agreement to acquire U.S. drones in return for American weapons. This announcement followed what he described as a “productive conversation” with President Trump.
“The draft agreement on drones has been prepared by us. We’re ready to discuss it in detail and finalize the deal,” Zelensky noted.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of such technology for the American military, saying it’s essential to have it as part of their arsenal in this era of drones.
Trump’s involvement comes as he intends to visit Russia ahead of a deadline set for White House envoy Steve Witkov to visit the country, which aims to address the ongoing invasion of Ukraine and prevent further economic sanctions.
Russian officials mentioned that Witkov’s visit is at the Kremlin’s request.
Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Trump for his ongoing efforts toward achieving a just and lasting peace, stating, “It’s vital to end the violence as quickly as possible, and we entirely support this initiative.” He also pointed out that, had Russia not extended the conflict, many months could have already passed without war and that Ukraine and the United States have aligned their goals.
The conversation included discussions on Trump’s plans for imposing secondary tariffs or sanctions on countries importing oil from Russia. This move aims to disrupt the primary sources of revenue for Putin’s military endeavors.
China and India are noted as the top importers of Russian oil, and Trump has warned that tariffs could increase beyond the current 25% if their purchasing continues at this pace.
When questioned about how these penalties might impact oil prices, Trump stated he wasn’t concerned, highlighting U.S. drilling efforts at unprecedented levels.
Zelensky mentioned that the Russian economy is teetering on the brink of recession and that even amidst the ongoing conflict, Moscow is cutting its defense budget, signaling economic strain. “Their economy is still declining, which is why Moscow is particularly sensitive to this situation and to Trump’s determination. This could lead to significant changes,” he remarked.
He also confirmed that Trump is aware of the escalation in Russian drone and missile attacks, which have reached alarming rates in recent months. “The Russians have increased the severity of their assaults. President Trump is well-informed of Russia’s actions against Kyiv and other affected areas,” Zelensky explained.
In closing, he expressed his gratitude toward all Americans who support Ukraine’s defense and specifically thanked Trump for their assistance. Last month, Trump announced plans for the U.S. to supply weapons to Ukraine through European allies that will donate military resources to the conflict-torn country.
