Today at 20:24
U.S. President Donald Trump has for the first time reacted positively to the idea of granting Ukraine licenses to produce missiles, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said the issue had been raised with Trump and received a favorable response, marking a shift in Washington’s approach to expanding Ukraine’s domestic defense capabilities, UATV English reports.
The Ukrainian president also stressed that he believes in bilateral negotiations with Russia, but emphasized that partners must be involved in any peace process.
“I believe in bilateral negotiations, but partners must definitely be present,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the president, Ukraine expects to receive reliable security guarantees after the war and remains committed to its path toward European Union membership.
“Ukraine counts on security guarantees after the end of the war, as well as on future membership in the European Union,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that Russia is being given an opportunity to determine the format of future negotiations.
“Russia is being given the possibility to decide for itself what format future talks will take,” he said.
The remarks come after Trump said at the G7 summit that the United States would consider granting Ukraine licenses to manufacture American anti-ballistic missiles. Germany and Ukraine have also signed an agreement paving the way for the joint development of a new air defense system, while European countries have expressed support for strengthening Ukraine’s missile capabilities.
