Zelensky Heads to White House to Seek More U.S. Air Defense Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 28, with additional air defense systems expected to top the agenda.
Ukraine is seeking more Patriot missile interceptors and hopes to secure continued U.S. backing as efforts to negotiate an end to the war with Russia remain deadlocked.
The leaders are also expected to discuss a proposed U.S.-Ukraine drone agreement and Trump’s earlier pledge to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors under license.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky said he hoped Washington would continue supporting Ukraine in achieving what he described as a “dignified peace.”
The visit comes amid intensified attacks by both sides, with Russian officials reporting that hundreds of Ukrainian drones targeted the Moscow region overnight.
Despite previous tensions between Trump and Zelensky, including a public disagreement in 2025, relations have improved in recent weeks, with Trump expressing support for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Before traveling to Washington, Zelensky met newly elected British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Portsmouth, where the UK pledged new “Stone Cloak” jamming technology designed to protect Ukrainian drones.
Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, while Zelensky thanked him for the continued military and political support.
