KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised a new agreement between the United States and NATO to deliver Patriot missile systems and other military support to Ukraine, calling it a vital step in defending against Russian attacks.
The deal, confirmed Monday during talks between President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington, includes a fresh shipment of air defense systems paid for by European allies. The United States will handle the delivery but cover none of the costs.
President Zelenskyy welcomed the joint plan after speaking separately with both leaders. In a statement posted to X, he described his conversation with Trump as “very good” and said they discussed efforts “to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.”
President Zelenskyy noted that Trump shared details of his Oval Office meeting with Rutte, during which the two agreed to increase pressure on Russia and boost NATO member contributions to Ukraine’s defense. “It’s important that the Alliance countries are working to increase defense spending,” he said.
The Ukrainian president said both parties reviewed additional steps to improve protection from missile and drone strikes. “We appreciate the readiness to provide additional Patriots,” he said, naming the U.S., Germany, and Norway as key partners in the agreement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that more weapons were needed to save civilian lives and repel Russia’s summer offensive. “Peace is only possible through strength,” he said. “Russia must be forced to stop the killings. This war continues solely because of Putin’s desire to drag it out.”
The announcement came just hours after Trump threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries trading with Russia if Moscow refuses to agree to a ceasefire within 50 days.
“We made a deal today,” Trump said during a briefing at the White House. “The United States will not be having any payment made.” He confirmed that a NATO country with 17 Patriot systems would begin shipping the missiles soon, though he did not identify the nation.
Rutte confirmed NATO would manage coordination of the shipments. “This is a joint effort that sends a strong signal,” he said.
The commitment followed a visit to Kyiv by U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg, who met with Zelenskyy to discuss military production and bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Following that meeting, Zelenskyy said the U.S., Germany, and Norway were preparing additional long-term military deals. “We hope for U.S. leadership, as it is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its unreasonable ambitions are curbed through strength,” he wrote.
President Zelenskyy also urged Western governments to block Russia’s financial ties with Iran and North Korea, saying those links help fund its war effort.
Although Ukraine remains open to a fair peace settlement, Zelenskyy insisted that Moscow is not negotiating in good faith. “Russia isn’t ready,” he said. “They’re stalling to avoid pressure. That’s why global pressure must increase.”
The new defense arrangement signals a hardened approach from the Trump administration, which has publicly voiced frustration with Russia’s failure to advance peace talks. While the 50-day deadline gives Moscow time to respond, U.S. officials say the window is closing.
Ukraine, meanwhile, continues to defend three active fronts in the country’s east and south, where Russian attacks have intensified. Kyiv says its forces have downed more than 100 drones in recent days, and President Zelenskyy has extended martial law and conscription through early November.
The upcoming missile shipments, if completed as promised, are expected to bolster Ukraine’s ability to protect cities from Russia’s long-range missile barrages.
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