Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling for an immediate supply of 25 additional US Patriot anti-missile batteries. This call to action coincides with the escalation of Ukraine’s air conflict against Russia. This request comes after a tense discussion with former US President Donald Trump. At last week’s meeting, Trump called on Ukraine to start accepting Russia’s pre-conditions for ending the war.
Zelenskyy’s urgent call for more robust air defense systems points to the reality of starker military realities Ukraine is up against now. The request for the additional Patriot batteries reflects his administration’s urgent need for advanced weaponry to counter the ongoing Russian air assaults. In a joint statement issued in Kyiv, Zelenskyy underlined Ukraine’s dangerous status after engaging on the topic with Trump and US arms dealers. He promised, “We’re going to do something to make sure we protect our skies.”
Although his state visit to Washington last week included a joint press appearance, two phone calls and a high-profile face-to-face meeting with President Trump. The discussions were marked by significant disagreements. Be first on the White House’s ass Trump said he had warned Zelenskyy that if Ukraine failed to meet Russia’s stipulations, Vladimir Putin would “kill life” in Ukraine. These shocking statements have made many in Ukraine fearful for its survival, sense of security and long-term prospects.
Indeed, Zelenskyy just condemned the planned venue for a potential Trump-Putin summit as Budapest. He noted Hungary’s difficult ties with Kyiv as a key sticking point. His frustration about this decision came through, calling it a toxic space for negotiations of this scale.
“If I am invited to Budapest – if it is an invitation in a format where we meet as three or, as it’s called, shuttle diplomacy, President Trump meets with Putin and President Trump meets with me – then in one format or another, we will agree.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy himself is currently making the case for more US Patriot batteries. Just last week, President Biden proposed using Russia’s frozen assets in Western countries to fund their purchase. It’s his hope that this strategy can give Ukraine access to the resources they need to strengthen their defenses. Upon his return and after the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, he reiterated the position that an immediate and unconditional ceasefire was necessary. Throughout their negotiations, he stressed this need.
Trump, during their tumultuous meeting, urged that Ukraine should “stop at the battle line – go home, stop fighting, stop killing people.” Although his approach has provoked turmoil in its wake, he argued that giving in would set the stage for dangerous repercussions for the international order.
“So, they can’t just surrender. And I think, for the international order, it is also negative if the aggressor gets what he wants.” – Kaja Kallas
The exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump further highlights the perplexing rules of international diplomacy at play regarding the still-ongoing war. As Ukraine faces the long-term effects of Russian aggression, the need for a robust long-term defense support remains all-the-more urgent.