Zelenskyy welcomes new NATO-US agreement on Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine

ISTANBUL 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday held separate talks with US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, welcoming their coordinated efforts to deliver Patriot missile systems and other weapons to Ukraine as part of a new transatlantic security arrangement.

Zelenskyy said in a statement on X that his conversation with Trump was “very good,” noting they discussed efforts “to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.”

“President Trump shared details about his meeting with the NATO Secretary-General. It’s important that the Alliance countries are working to increase defense spending,” he said.

Zelenskyy underlined that both sides reviewed ways to improve protection from Russian attacks and agreed to coordinate future steps.

He also spoke with NATO chief Mark Rutte, who briefed him on the Washington meeting with Trump and emphasized continued joint support for Ukraine.

“We appreciate the readiness to provide additional Patriots, and the US, Germany, and Norway are already working together on this,” Zelenskyy said. He added that more weapons deliveries are expected to help “protect lives of our people and repel Russian assaults.”

He reiterated that “Russia must be forced to stop the killings,” adding that this “war continues solely because of Russia, because of Putin’s desire to drag it out. Peace is only possible through strength.”

Zelenskyy stressed the need to cut off Russia’s war financing and end its ties with Iran and North Korea.

He said new joint decisions were in preparation with the US, Germany, and Norway regarding Patriot systems, as well as long-term defense agreements with Washington.

Ukraine remains committed to “all honest and effective steps toward lasting peace,” he said, but emphasized that “Russia isn’t ready” and must face stronger international pressure.

Zelenskyy’s remarks came hours after Trump, during his meeting with NATO chief Rutte, threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia if no agreement to end the war is reached within 50 days.

Trump also confirmed that Patriot missile systems would be shipped to Ukraine “within days,” under a new plan where the US supplies the weapons but European allies cover the full cost.

“We made a deal today … The United States will not be having any payment made,” Trump said, adding that “a country with 17 Patriots” would send them soon, without specifying which country it is.

Rutte echoed the announcement, saying NATO will coordinate the deliveries.

The developments follow a visit to Kyiv by Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg, who held talks with Zelenskyy on air defense cooperation and arms production.

“We hope for US leadership, as it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength,” Zelenskyy wrote after the meeting.

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