Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he had discussed buying US air-defence systems with President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of NATO's summit in The Hague.
"We discussed the protection of our people with the President -- first and foremost, the purchase of American air-defence systems," Zelenskyy said on social media on Wednesday.
He added that Kiev was "ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers" and that "Europe can help."
When asked if he would supply Ukraine with the Patriot missiles, Trump tentatively stated that he would "to see if we can make some available", adding that Washington was also supplying Israel with them.
Ukraine is scrambling to protect its skies after Russia intensified aerial attacks, launching hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles almost every day.
‘Long and substantive’
The two leaders have also discussed a potential joint drone production, Zelenskyy said, describing the 50-minute exchange with Trump as "long" and "substantive".
“I had a long and substantive meeting with President Trump @POTUS. We covered all the truly important issues. I thank Mr. President, I thank the United States,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on X.
"Couldn't have been nicer," Trump said, after the closely watched meeting held behind closed doors.
Trump described ending the Ukraine conflict as "more difficult than people would have any idea," citing problems with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy.
He said, however, a meeting earlier Wednesday with Zelenskyy was positive, with the Ukrainian leader appearing ready to end the fighting.
"I think it's a great time to end it. I'm going to speak to Vladimir Putin see if we can get it ended," said Trump.
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Source: TRT