US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concluded a one-hour bilateral meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, July 8, after discussing Russia’s war against Ukraine, air defense, drone cooperation and future U.S. support.
The talks took place at the Beştepe Presidential Complex and marked the leaders’ first in-person meeting since the latest escalation of Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
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The bilateral meeting began at 2:30 p.m. local time and concluded at 3:30 p.m.
During the meeting, Trump said relations with Zelensky had improved since their tense exchange at the White House earlier this year.
“We have developed a good relationship with Zelensky. From the Oval Office to now,” Trump said.
Trump also indicated that Washington could allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles under license.
“We’re gonna give you a license to make Patriots... Make them yourself.”
He added that Patriot production could begin quickly once the necessary arrangements are in place.
“We need Patriots too. I think they can produce them very quickly once we explain it.”
Asked whether Europe could manufacture Patriot interceptors, Trump said discussions were ongoing and emphasized that he preferred defensive weapons.
“We’re going to talk about that. It’s a defensive weapon, which I like better than an offensive weapon.”
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Commenting on Ukraine’s strikes against Russian oil refineries, Trump said they represented an escalation that could ultimately help end the war.
“It’s an escalation that can help lead to an end.”
Trump also acknowledged that ending Russia’s war against Ukraine had proven more difficult than he originally expected.
“We’ve settled a lot of wars. And this one is the one that I thought maybe would be the easiest.”
He added that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky were difficult negotiators.
“Putin’s a difficult character, and this guy’s a difficult character. It’s not the easiest thing. It is a lot of commitment.”
Asked whether he would visit Ukraine, Trump replied:
“I would. I would rather have the war be over.”
Responding to a question on whether the United States would help close Ukraine’s skies if Russia launched further attacks, Trump said such a step could be taken if needed but expressed hope that a peace agreement would make it unnecessary.
“If necessary, but we won’t have to worry about what you are saying when we have a deal.”
Ahead of the summit, Zelensky said Ukraine expected “strong and productive” discussions with allies, adding that Kyiv was seeking new agreements on drone production, defense cooperation and stronger security guarantees.
The Ukrainian president is also expected to hold nearly 20 bilateral meetings with world leaders during the summit.
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