Zelensky Says US Air Defense Licenses Are Key Priority After G7

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed post-G7 defense priorities with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, including efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and obtain US licenses for domestic production of air defense equipment.

“As always, a good meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte,” Zelensky wrote on X after the talks.

The Ukrainian president said the meeting focused on measures agreed with partners during the G7 summit.  

“The key priority is working on strengthening our defense and obtaining licenses from the US for the production of air defense equipment,” Zelensky said.

He added that new contributions to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, or PURL, were also on the agenda, saying the mechanism is vital for accelerating weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

“This initiative is very helpful in protecting lives, and it is essential that deliveries of anti-ballistic missiles be as swift as possible,” he said.

The meeting underscored Ukraine’s urgent need for stronger air defense systems and interceptors to protect civilians and energy infrastructure from ongoing Russian strikes.

Zelensky thanked Rutte for his support and for the invitation to the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7–8, 2026.

“We will work to make it effective for Ukraine’s defense,” Zelensky concluded.

Other Topics of Interest

EU Head of Council Reaches Out to Kremlin in Peace Push

European Council President Antonio Costa’s office confirmed Wednesday, June 17, that brief diplomatic contacts were made with the Kremlin in recent weeks to open communication channels, as Europe works to help in negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine.