Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington after a delayed start, discussing aid and potential joint meetings with Russia. . **Body:**
Zelensky’s Visit to the US
Volodymyr Zelensky has been in Washington since Thursday. His arrival began with meetings with U.S. defense firms, including Raytheon, the producer of Patriot systems. On Friday he spoke with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and representatives of energy companies. He stayed at Blair House and was greeted with heightened security measures.
Zelensky-Trump Meeting
The White House meeting began more than 20 minutes late, taking the form of a working lunch. Donald Trump opened the discussion with remarks about the agenda for talks with Ukraine. Zelensky thanked Trump for his intervention in the Middle East. Questioning followed, and Trump noted a potential joint meeting with President Putin, citing strained relations between Zelensky and Putin and the possibility of joint or separate meetings. He added that both Ukraine and Russia wish to end the war.
Zelensky on Biden
Zelensky stated that Trump has a great chance to end the war, whereas Biden does not currently have that chance. He praised Trump’s role in achieving a Middle East ceasefire and hopes Trump can replicate similar success for Ukraine. Trump responded that the key difference is Biden’s incompetence, implying his own competence.
Trump on Tomahawks for Ukraine
When asked about sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Trump said that the U.S. needs Tomahawks and other weapons to help end the war, though he hopes they can finish without Tomahawks, emphasizing the need for thousands of drones to complement missiles. Zelensky noted that the U.S. could supply thousands of drones and suggested a possible trade arrangement. Trump expressed interest in Ukrainian drones and said they would discuss Tomahawks, though they prefer them not to be needed.
