Zelenskyy, Trump discuss new air defence format and path to peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said his phone conversation with US President Donald Trump focused on protecting Ukraine’s airspace from Russian attacks and exploring ways to achieve “real peace.”

Zelenskyy described the discussion as long and detailed, with European leaders also joining the call. He noted the talks centered on how to push toward ending the war through “strict measures,” including economic pressure on Russia.

“The key to peace is depriving Russia’s war machine of money and resources”, Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine proposed a special format with the US for the protection of its skies.

The Ukrainian leader emphasised that until peace is reached, Ukraine must not remain vulnerable to constant Russian missile and drone strikes.

He thanked Trump for his support of the Ukrainian people, saying the two agreed to maintain further contact. The call followed a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the US and European countries agreed to consider sanctions on Russian oil and gas within the next 24 hours. Media reports also noted Trump urged European leaders to increase pressure on China, accusing Beijing of helping finance Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.