Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a significant conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, marking their second discussion within forty-eight hours. The talks centered on strengthening Kyiv’s air defence systems as Ukraine continues to face relentless Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelenskiy said the exchange also covered Ukraine’s energy resilience and long-term defence planning, reflecting Kyiv’s determination to sustain its resistance against Moscow’s aggression.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Zelenskiy described the meeting as “constructive and strategic,” emphasizing the shared intent to boost cooperation in securing Ukraine’s skies. He added that both leaders agreed to continue the dialogue, with their respective teams working to lay out specific plans for air defence upgrades and energy security partnerships.
The renewed communication between Zelenskiy and Trump comes at a critical juncture when Kyiv is seeking stronger Western backing, particularly amid uncertainties over U.S. policy toward Ukraine should Trump return to power. While the Biden administration has maintained steady military support, Kyiv is exploring multiple diplomatic channels to ensure continuity of assistance regardless of political shifts in Washington.
In Moscow, the Kremlin reacted sharply to reports suggesting that the United States might consider providing Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles. Russian officials warned that such a move could trigger a “dramatic escalation,” accusing the West of pushing the conflict toward a dangerous phase. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that any transfer of advanced missile systems to Ukraine would be viewed as a direct threat to Russian security interests.
Trump, on his part, has reportedly taken a cautious stance on the matter. Sources close to the former president indicate that he wants a full briefing on Ukraine’s intended use of the missiles before approving any delivery. Trump’s position, observers note, appears to balance between supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and avoiding steps that could provoke direct confrontation with Russia.
Analysts say the renewed contact between Zelenskiy and Trump reflects Kyiv’s broader diplomatic outreach, aimed at ensuring bipartisan support in the United States for Ukraine’s defence. With the war grinding into its fourth year and Russia intensifying its strikes on critical infrastructure, Ukraine’s leadership is striving to secure sustained Western commitment for both its military and civilian survival.
As Kyiv braces for another winter of aerial bombardments, discussions on fortifying its air defences have taken on new urgency. The outcome of these talks, and Trump’s eventual position on advanced weapons support, could play a decisive role in shaping Ukraine’s capacity to withstand the next phase of the conflict.