❓WHAT HAPPENED: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced progress toward a major arms agreement with the United States, following discussions with President Donald J. Trump.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, and European Union (EU) leaders.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Zelensky’s address took place Wednesday evening; discussions with Trump occurred recently, with the EU negotiations ongoing.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Large-scale agreements, I talked about them with President Trump, and I very, very much hope that we will be able to implement all of this.” – Volodymyr Zelensky
🎯IMPACT: The agreements could bolster Ukraine’s military capacity, while also solidifying U.S. and EU support amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed during an address in Kiev this week that his country is close to finalizing a significant arms agreement with the United States. He revealed that he presented President Donald J. Trump with Ukraine’s “main principles” for future weapons deals, but did not confirm whether Trump had agreed to these terms.
“Today, I also agreed on the main principles of our agreements with America, Ukraine—the United States—on arms,” Zelensky said. He continued: “Large-scale agreements, I talked about them with President Trump, and I very, very much hope that we will be able to implement all of this. This will definitely strengthen both of our countries, and therefore—our allies, our partners.”
Last week, the Trump administration approved arms sales to Ukraine totaling $650 million, but it remains unclear if these are the same “large-scale” deals mentioned by Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of these agreements as a step toward ending the war with Russia. “Right now we need to act to force Russia to peace,” he said, adding that sanctions and economic pressure could also play a significant role.
Trump also highlighted a recent agreement with the European Union (EU), under which the EU would pay “100% of the cost of all military equipment” provided by the U.S. “They’re going to ship it to the European Union, and then they’ll distribute it, and much of it will go to Ukraine,” Trump stated. Additionally, the EU will fund U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems sent to Ukraine, whether directly or through European nations. Trump has described the arrangement as economically beneficial, stating, “This will be a business for us.”
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