US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.

 

The conversation came just hours after Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, using hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles in one of the heaviest bombardments of the war. It also followed the US decision to pause its latest shipment of military aid to Ukraine, including the highly sought-after Patriot air defense systems, due to concerns over dwindling domestic stockpiles.

 

In a statement following the call, Zelenskyy described the discussion as “important and useful,” noting that the two leaders explored possibilities around bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses, expanding joint defense manufacturing, and facilitating “mutual purchases and investments”, a potential strategy to encourage the US to resume military aid through cooperative agreements.

 

Zelenskyy also stated the two sides had agreed to enhance “aerial protection”, a top priority as Russia continues its intensive airstrikes on urban centers.

 

However, Zelenskyy did not indicate that the aid freeze had been lifted or that a firm commitment had been secured. According to Axios, a source familiar with the conversation described it simply as a “good conversation.”

 

Trump, meanwhile, expressed frustration following a separate call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Speaking after a rally in Iowa, Trump said he was “very disappointed” in the Russian leader’s unwillingness to move toward ending the war.

 

“I don’t think he’s there,” Trump told reporters. “I’m just saying, I don’t think he’s looking to stop, and that’s too bad.”

 

According to a Kremlin aide, Putin remains firm on Russia’s conditions, including longstanding grievances over NATO expansion and Ukraine’s pro-Western orientation.

 

The freeze in US aid, with some weapons reportedly already staged in Poland, reflects concerns within the Pentagon about US munitions reserves falling below critical levels.

 

Germany has stepped in with talks to potentially purchase Patriot systems from the US and redirect them to Ukraine. A German government spokesperson confirmed on Friday that “intensive discussions” were underway on how to bridge the shortfall in Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

 

“There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap,” the spokesperson said, hinting at the possibility of direct German purchases of US systems for delivery to Kyiv.

 

The urgency of the situation was underscored by Russia’s latest assault, which Zelenskyy condemned as a “deliberate act of terror.” Ukrainian officials say over 550 drones and missiles were used in the bombardment. Zelenskyy suggested the attack was timed to follow his call with Trump and seen as a signal from Moscow: “a clear interpretation of how Moscow interprets diplomacy,” he said.