Kyiv :Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has arrived in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, pressing for renewed American backing as Russia increases strikes across Ukraine and the war enters a critical winter phase.
The talks come amid a sharp escalation in Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure. In recent days, waves of missiles and drones have hit key facilities, disrupting gas production and power supply in several regions. Officials warn that the latest offensive appears aimed at weakening Ukraine’s ability to endure the coming cold months.
Zelenskiy’s visit focuses on securing more advanced weaponry, including long range systems such as Tomahawk missiles and expanded air defense capabilities. Ukrainian officials say the country urgently needs stronger protection against missile attacks that have devastated cities and industrial sites.
Before the meeting, senior Ukrainian representatives held discussions with leading U.S. defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, to explore technology partnerships and possible co-production of weapons systems. Kyiv hopes that the United States and its allies will help strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry as part of a new support framework known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List or PURL.
Under this plan, allies are encouraged to fund and supply weapons rather than relying entirely on direct U.S. assistance. However, Washington has seen a noticeable decline in military aid in recent months, raising concerns in Kyiv about sustaining its defense capacity.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on NATO allies to boost spending on American made weapons for Ukraine, emphasizing that the war effort must remain collective. Some European nations, such as Sweden and Finland, have increased contributions, but others are still behind on their commitments.
Russia has warned that any decision to supply long range missiles would mark a serious escalation. Moscow continues to claim that its military actions are justified by security concerns, while Western nations accuse it of deliberately targeting civilians and infrastructure.
On the ground, the human toll is growing. A recent strike on a hospital in Kharkiv injured several people, forcing patients to be evacuated. Aid convoys in southern regions have also come under attack, drawing condemnation from humanitarian organizations.
Zelenskiy has publicly expressed hope that President Trump could play a decisive role in mediating toward peace, even suggesting that the U.S. leader could be recognized for his
if a lasting ceasefire is achieved. For now, the Ukrainian president’s priority is clear to secure the weapons and international unity his country needs as the conflict continues into another harsh winter.