KYIV, Oct 20 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described his recent meeting with Donald Trump as a success, highlighting progress on acquiring new air defence systems — despite reports suggesting the talks were tense.
Zelenskiy: Meeting Yielded Positive Results
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Zelenskiy said the meeting produced “positive” outcomes, including plans to acquire 25 Patriot air defence systems to strengthen Ukraine’s protection against Russian missile attacks.
The Ukrainian leader said the talks with Trump and his team lasted more than two hours and resulted in a constructive message.
“His message, in my view, is positive — that we stand where we stand on the front line,” Zelenskiy said.
Reports of Tense Exchanges
Zelenskiy’s upbeat tone contrasted with earlier reports that Trump had berated him during the White House meeting, allegedly using profanity and pressing him to concede territory to Russia.
According to multiple sources, the meeting was “tense,” with Trump warning that Ukraine risked destruction if it failed to strike a peace deal with Moscow.
Focus on Air Defence Deal
Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine was close to finalizing a deal to purchase 25 Patriot systems, calling it a “major step forward” in strengthening national defence.
Although he did not specify when the contract would be signed, he noted that discussions on air defence dominated his Washington visit.
However, Zelenskiy’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range strikes inside Russia was not approved. He said Trump appeared cautious about taking actions that could provoke Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of their expected meeting at a planned summit.
Trump-Putin Meeting in Budapest
Trump and Putin are expected to meet in Budapest, Hungary — a NATO and EU member that has maintained close ties with Moscow throughout the war.
Zelenskiy criticized the choice of venue, saying: “We are talking about peace in Ukraine, not elections in Hungary.” Nonetheless, he expressed willingness to attend peace talks there if invited.
Rebuilding Ties After a Rocky Start
The meeting marked a turnaround in the relationship between Trump and Zelenskiy, following a disastrous encounter in February where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly berated the Ukrainian leader on camera.
Zelenskiy said he had spent months rebuilding the relationship and viewed last week’s discussions as “a step toward greater understanding.”
This news was originally published by Reuters.