In brief
President Trump held separate talks with Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. While attending Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, Zelensky pressed Trump on a promised licence to produce Patriot missiles for Ukraine, and Netanyahu focused on the Iran nuclear threat. The White House described the meetings as positive and productive, and Trump posted a brief remark that the closed‑door meeting went very well. Ukraine’s need for Patriot systems remains urgent amid rising Russian drone and missile strikes.
President Donald Trump hosted separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, described by the White House as "positive and productive".
Both leaders arrived to attend the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham, a key U.S. supporter of Israel and Ukraine, who died earlier this month.
Zelensky pressed Trump for a promised licence to produce U.S. Patriot missiles in Ukraine, a system that could help defend cities from escalating Russian drone and ballistic missile attacks. He told Fox News that Trump has agreed to “give us licences” and that co‑production with American companies is a priority.
Netanyahu’s visit was timed when U.S.–Israel ties were tense over differing views on Iran’s nuclear programme. He told Israeli media that he had an "understanding of a shared goal to ensure Iran does not have nuclear weapons" and that the meeting was "one of the best conversations I have had with the president of the United States".
Behind the scenes, the U.S. military reported that Iranian forces had attempted a surprise attack on American forces in the Middle East, but were intercepted. The U.S. and Saudi forces also struck Iranian proxies in eastern Iraq for allegedly shooting drones at Saudi energy infrastructure.
While no official confirmation of military aid was announced, Ukraine’s president highlighted the importance of Patriot systems, which each cost between $3 million and $5 million. Ukraine wants 25 Patriot interceptor systems to curb the escalating conflict.
