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Zelenskyy, Trump discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defense in second weekend call

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seen speaking at a press conference after a Russian drone and missile attack, Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 10, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seen speaking at a press conference after a Russian drone and missile attack, Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 10, 2025. (AA Photo)
October 12, 2025 09:49 PM GMT+03:00

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that he discussed strengthening Kyiv's air defense and long-range capabilities during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their second conversation this weekend.

The call was the second this weekend between the two leaders, with Zelenskyy saying he had a "very positive and productive" on Saturday conversation with his counterpart and congratulated him on securing a ceasefire deal for Gaza.

On the social media platform X, Zelenskyy said their second call was also "very productive," using a set of topics they agreed on in the first call to discuss on Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seen speaking at a press conference after a Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 10, 2025. (AA Photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seen speaking at a press conference after a Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 10, 2025. (AA Photo)

Military capabilities and energy sector addressed

Zelenskyy said they covered all aspects of the situation in Ukraine, including strengthening Kyiv's military capabilities, particularly air defense and long-range capabilities.

"We also discussed many details related to the energy sector. President Trump is well informed about everything that is happening. We agreed to continue our dialogue, and our teams are doing their preparations," Zelenskyy said.

In a social media post, Zelenskyy said he is working in detail with the United States to strengthen air defense and all defense capabilities. He said they discussed providing Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine and increasing the country's capabilities to carry out long-range attacks.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, stands in front of the Patriot air defense missile system at a military training area during a visit to train Ukrainian soldiers, June 11, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, stands in front of the Patriot air defense missile system at a military training area during a visit to train Ukrainian soldiers, June 11, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Ukraine sees Russian concern over Tomahawk missiles

"We see and hear that Russia is afraid of the possibility that Americans will give us Tomahawks (cruise missiles). This is a sign of the kind of pressure that can be beneficial for peace," Zelenskyy said.

The call comes just days after Zelenskyy announced a Ukrainian delegation would travel to the U.S. this week. The delegation includes Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak and Sanctions Policy Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk.

Topics during their visit will "include air defense, energy and sanctions steps, as well as the negotiation track. The issue of frozen assets will also be discussed with the U.S.," Zelenskyy said Thursday.

Last Monday, Trump said he was close to deciding whether to send long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv, adding that he wants to "find out what they're doing with them, where they're sending them."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced concern over the U.S. sending Ukraine Tomahawks, arguing this would "destroy" U.S.-Russian ties and lead to a "completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation."

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 29, 2011 from the Mediterranean Sea. (AFP Photo)
U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 29, 2011 from the Mediterranean Sea. (AFP Photo)

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant running on generators for 3 weeks

Zelenskyy discussed the situation at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with Macron. Zelenskyy argued Russia does not want to resolve the situation at the plant and said the International Atomic Energy Agency needs to pressure the Russian side.

"The longest power outage at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear (power) Plant continues. The plant has been running on diesel generators for almost three weeks," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said the Russian army must stop attacks in the region and Ukrainian experts must enter the plant to solve the electricity problem.

Russians captured Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia, in March 2022. Artillery attacks occur around the plant, which is currently under Russian army control, with Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of the attacks.

October 12, 2025 09:49 PM GMT+03:00
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