Washington — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington this week for critical talks with President Donald Trump focused on bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and securing long-range weapons systems, the Ukrainian leader announced Tuesday.
The Friday meeting, confirmed by Zelenskyy during a press conference in Kyiv with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, comes after two recent phone conversations between the leaders and represents a pivotal moment in US-Ukraine defense cooperation.
High-Stakes Agenda
“I hope I’ll have possibility to come to Washington and have meeting on Friday with the president,” Zelenskyy told reporters, outlining a packed schedule that includes sessions with congressional leaders and meetings with defense and energy industry representatives.
President Trump personally suggested the energy sector meetings, according to Zelenskyy, signaling a broader strategic approach to the bilateral discussions.
The talks will center on two critical defense priorities: enhanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, and long-range strike capabilities that could alter the battlefield dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
Tomahawk Decision Looms
Sources indicate President Trump is approaching a decision on Ukraine’s September request for Tomahawk cruise missiles, advanced weapons systems with ranges exceeding 1,000 miles. The back-to-back weekend phone calls between Trump and Zelenskyy underscored the urgency surrounding these defense deliberations.
The potential transfer of such sophisticated weaponry would mark a significant escalation in US military support for Ukraine, providing Kyiv with capabilities to strike deep behind enemy lines.
Russian Warnings
The timing of the Washington visit comes amid sharp warnings from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned that US provision of long-range missiles would “destroy” bilateral relations and trigger a “completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation.”
The Kremlin’s opposition highlights the delicate geopolitical calculus facing the Trump administration as it weighs Ukraine’s defense needs against the risk of further deterioration in US-Russia relations.
Congressional Dimension
Zelenskyy’s meetings with US lawmakers will be closely watched, as congressional support remains crucial for sustained military aid to Ukraine. The visit offers the Ukrainian president an opportunity to make his case directly to key decision-makers on Capitol Hill.
The Friday summit represents the latest chapter in the Trump administration’s evolving approach to the Ukraine conflict, with both leaders facing pressure to demonstrate tangible progress in strengthening Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
