Key facts
- President Trump plans to ask U.S. defense companies to license missile production in Europe and Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine will decide who represents Europe in negotiations with Russia.
- The proposal for licensed missile production was discussed at the G7 summit.
- Zelensky sought and received positive feedback from the U.S. on licenses for Patriot missile system production.
- Zelensky presented photos of a Russian attack on a Kyiv cathedral to G7 leaders.
U.S. President Donald Trump intends to ask American defense companies to license the production of air defense missiles in Europe and Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky also stated that Ukraine will determine who represents Europe in any negotiations with Russia.
During a meeting at the G7 summit, Zelensky urged allies to increase pressure on Russia and reiterated his request for U.S. approval of licenses for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missile systems locally. He noted that the U.S. team responded positively to the issue of licenses for the first time, a significant development as these interceptors are crucial for downing Russian ballistic missiles.
Trump suggested that his focus on Ukraine might increase following an agreement with Iran, stating, "We were focused on Iran. That's going to be in the back, in the rear-view mirror…. I want to do whatever I can." He indicated that the Iran deal positioned Washington to reimpose sanctions on Russian oil.
Zelensky reported "unanimity" at the G7 summit regarding the war, with all leaders recognizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin "doesn't want to stop this war." He also presented photos of a Russian attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Cathedral to summit participants.
Separately, British forces seized a Russian shadow fleet tanker for transporting sanctioned Russian oil, with its captain due to appear in court.