U.S. and Ukraine Presidents Discuss Production of "Patriot" Interceptors

[Global Times correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin] According to AFP reports, U.S. President Trump held a closed-door meeting lasting more than an hour with visiting Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House on the morning of the 28th local time. Zelensky stated that the two sides discussed issues such as the production license for the "Patriot" air defense system interceptors. The report noted that Zelensky's visit comes at a time when Russia and Ukraine are intensifying their long-range strikes against each other and U.S.-led diplomatic mediation is at a standstill, with Ukraine seeking further support from the U.S.

It was reported that this is the second meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents this month. The two met on the 8th during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump stated he would authorize Ukraine to produce the "Patriot" air defense system. During this visit, Zelensky also held talks with the leadership of the American company Lockheed Martin on the 28th. This company is the manufacturer of the "Patriot" air defense system.

In addition, on the 28th, the U.S. Senate passed a procedural vote on a sanctions bill against Russia. The bill proposes that the U.S. will impose a 100% secondary tariff on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. AFP stated that as the U.S. House of Representatives enters recess, the bill is expected to be reviewed in September, and there is still controversy over the bill among both parties in the U.S. Congress. Furthermore, according to congressional sources, $400 million in military aid to Ukraine in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act has been stalled since its approval and may not be disbursed until Fiscal Year 2029. The U.S. publication The Hill reported that U.S. presidential envoy Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Kushner may visit Kyiv for the first time in the coming weeks, and are expected to visit Moscow afterward.

On the 29th, Russian newspaper Izvestia reported that although the U.S. is exploring the possibility of restarting Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Ukraine has not shown a willingness to ease the situation. Zelensky's visit to the U.S. is aimed at lobbying for further sanctions against Russia, while Ukraine is still expanding the scope of "terrorist attacks" on targets within Russia. According to Russian news site vesti.ru on the 29th, State Duma (lower house of parliament) Deputy Chairman Chernyshov stated that Zelensky's visit to the U.S. is intended for public relations and to delay the peace process by obtaining weapons such as "Patriot" air defense missiles. Russian newspaper Kommersant stated that even if the U.S. sanctions bill against Russia is ultimately passed, it may not be implemented quickly, and the U.S. may only use it as a tool to pressure Russia.