Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday for talks that centered on a potential Patriot air defense system transfer and the possible revival of peace negotiations with Russia, according to statements from both administrations.
The meeting, which lasted several hours at the White House, came at a critical juncture in the nearly four-year war. Russia has intensified its ballistic missile campaign against Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, while Ukraine has expanded its long-range drone strikes deep into Russian territory, targeting oil refineries, fuel depots and military infrastructure.
Trump and Zelenskyy discussed a deal that would see additional Patriot batteries delivered to Ukraine to help counter Russian missile barrages that have killed scores of civilians in Kyiv and other cities. The Patriot system, manufactured by Raytheon, is considered one of the most effective defenses against ballistic missiles.
A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the two leaders explored the parameters of a potential ceasefire framework that could serve as a foundation for broader peace talks with Moscow. The Kremlin has not commented on the discussions.
Zelenskyy described the meeting as productive in a post on social media, saying he and Trump discussed practical steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and create conditions for a just end to the war. He did not provide specifics on the peace talk proposals.
The diplomatic engagement comes as Ukrainian forces continue to inflict significant damage on Russia’s energy infrastructure. In the hours following the Washington meeting, Ukraine’s military confirmed hits on two major oil refineries inside Russian territory, part of a coordinated campaign to degrade Moscow’s ability to fuel its war machine.
Analysts say the combination of US diplomatic engagement and stepped-up Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil is creating new dynamics in the conflict. Russia has responded by escalating its own missile attacks on Ukrainian population centers, striking Kyiv with a large-scale ballistic missile barrage that killed at least 21 people earlier this week.
Trump has previously expressed interest in brokering a settlement between Ukraine and Russia, though his administration has continued to provide military aid to Kyiv. The meeting with Zelenskyy signals that Washington is actively exploring diplomatic off-ramps even as fighting intensifies on multiple fronts.
European allies were briefed on the outcome of the Washington talks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense while keeping diplomatic channels open.
The proposed Patriot deal would require congressional approval, though bipartisan support for Ukraine aid has remained strong despite political divisions in Washington. The Senate recently advanced a sweeping Russia-Iran sanctions bill that would further restrict Moscow’s access to international financial markets.