Trump Envoy and Zelenskyy Plot Ukraine’s Defense Boost with Patriot Missiles

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday to discuss bolstering Ukraine’s defenses amid escalating Russian attacks. The talks focused on strengthening air defenses, joint arms production, U.S. weapon purchases with European allies, and tougher sanctions on Russia, Zelenskyy announced via Telegram.

The meeting coincides with Trump’s anticipated “major statement” on Russia, signaling a potential policy shift in the over three-year war. Trump, once vocal about his rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has grown frustrated with Moscow’s relentless strikes on Ukrainian civilians, recently calling Putin’s actions “crazy” and urging him to halt attacks.

Russia’s intensified assaults, including a June surge that killed 232 and wounded 1,343, have strained Ukraine’s air defenses. The U.S. is now sending additional Patriot missiles, with the EU covering costs for some advanced weaponry. Germany, having donated three Patriot systems, is exploring financing two more.

Also Read: Trump and NATO Chief to Finalize Ukraine Weapons Plan

NATO’s Mark Rutte and Germany’s Boris Pistorius are in Washington for related talks, as Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham predicts a “massive effort” to arm Ukraine and push Russia toward negotiations. Despite Moscow’s claims of constructive U.S. dialogue, Russian attacks, like a deadly strike in Shostka, persist.

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