Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Monday that he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to discuss Ukraine’s air defence needs and long-range strike capabilities, including the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles.
The announcement follows two days of direct communication between the leaders, as Kyiv intensifies its lobbying efforts for advanced U.S.-produced weaponry. A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is expected to arrive in Washington ahead of the meeting.
Ukraine has requested Tomahawk missiles, which have a range capable of reaching Moscow. Ukrainian officials insist the weapons would be used exclusively against military targets. Moscow has warned that such a transfer would constitute a serious escalation.
“I’ve already shared our vision with Trump,” Zelenskiy told reporters in Kyiv. “But some of these things are not for a phone conversation, so we’ll meet.”
President Trump has confirmed he is weighing the missile request, though he has also indicated he may consult Russian President Vladimir Putin before making a final decision.
In parallel, Ukraine and the United States are nearing agreement on a strategic drone technology partnership. Under the proposed deal, Ukraine would share its drone innovations with Washington. European diplomats view the arrangement as a key mechanism for maintaining U.S. engagement in the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war, now entering its fourth year, remain stalled. Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, prompting concerns about winter shortages. Zelenskiy said he will also meet with U.S. energy executives to discuss emergency support.
Russian strikes have recently targeted gas production facilities and the national power grid. Zelenskiy warned that Ukraine may soon need to import electricity to meet domestic demand.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries, contributing to fuel shortages across parts of Russia.
The upcoming meeting in Washington is expected to shape the next phase of U.S.-Ukraine cooperation, as Kyiv seeks to bolster its defences and secure critical infrastructure support amid evolving battlefield conditions.
