Zelensky meets Trump in Washington to seek U.S. air-defence support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Washington on Monday for a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, seeking firm U.S. commitments to expand Kyiv’s anti-ballistic missile capabilities. The talks come as Russia reported that more than 390 Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow region overnight, with most intercepted by Russian air defences.

Zelensky is expected to press Trump on a licence granted earlier this month that would allow Ukraine to co-produce Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors, a system the Ukrainian leader has long prioritized. He noted that Raytheon, the U.S. manufacturer of the missiles, sent a delegation to Kyiv last week and expressed readiness to deepen the partnership.

After the meeting with Zelensky, Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking their first in-person discussion since the conflict with Iran began in February. Both leaders are in Washington for the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham.

In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the drone attacks caused damage to a high-rise building in Chekhov and a warehouse fire in Berezhki, but reported no casualties. President Vladimir Putin, speaking to the Russian Duma, condemned what he described as “terrorist methods” used against civilians while affirming Russia’s resolve to achieve its objectives.

"We will achieve our objectives and will together do everything for victory, for Russia," Putin said.

Zelensky also raised concerns about Iranian involvement, alleging that Russia has shared satellite imagery with Tehran, enabling attacks on U.S. facilities and Gulf states. Trump replied that he would inquire with Putin and said any confirmation would not alter U.S. policy.