Air Defense at Top of Agenda in Zelensky’s Call with Trump

Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense was the top practical priority during a crucial phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump on Saturday. While framed by diplomatic congratulations, the core of the “productive” conversation was dedicated to addressing Ukraine’s most pressing security vulnerability.
Zelensky set the stage by informing Trump about Russia’s relentless and targeted attacks on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure. This provided a compelling, real-time justification for why enhanced air defense is not just a strategic desire but an existential necessity for Ukraine, particularly as it faces another harsh winter.
According to Zelensky, the discussion was specific and action-oriented. The two leaders explored “opportunities” and “good options” to bolster Ukraine’s ability to protect its skies from missiles and drones. Zelensky’s reference to “concrete agreements” being worked on suggests that the call could translate into tangible deliveries of new systems or upgrades in the near future.
This focus on military hardware was placed within the broader context of a peace strategy. Zelensky, who had just congratulated Trump on the Gaza deal, argued that a well-defended Ukraine is a prerequisite for any “real diplomacy” with Russia. This positions the request for air defense as a move toward peace, not an escalation of war.
By placing this critical need at the top of the agenda, Zelensky ensured that his call with Trump was not merely ceremonial. It was a strategic engagement aimed at securing the specific tools his country needs to survive and, ultimately, to create the conditions for a lasting and just peace.