Zelensky presses Trump for Patriot interceptor production as drones strike Moscow region

Ukraine president seeks Patriot interceptor co-production amid renewed strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at the White House to press for firm commitments on bolstering Kyiv’s anti-ballistic missile defences, including a licence to produce Patriot interceptors, while Moscow reported hundreds of drones had struck the capital region overnight, most intercepted by air defences.

Trump’s talks with Zelensky followed a Raytheon delegation visit to Kyiv, which Zelensky said expressed readiness to “take our partnership to an even higher level.” The Ukrainian leader highlighted urgent need for PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors as Russia has escalated ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv.

Promising a licence for production differs from co-producing highly sophisticated interceptors on Ukrainian soil, a process that involves extensive political, legal and technical steps. Zelensky stressed urgency given recent Russian attacks.

Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported more than 390 Ukrainian drones targeted the Moscow region between 20:30 on Monday and 06:30 on Tuesday local time, with most intercepted. Footage verified by BBC showed damage to a high-rise in Chekhov and a warehouse fire in Berezhki; local officials reported no casualties in Chekhov.

Separately, Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were both in Washington for the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. After meeting Zelensky, Trump planned to meet Netanyahu, their first in-person encounter since the start of the conflict involving Iran in late February.

Kyiv characterized Iran as a “direct accomplice to Russian aggression against Ukraine” and said Ukrainian intelligence has evidence of Russia sharing satellite imagery with Tehran, allegedly enabling attacks on US military facilities and Gulf states. Trump said he would raise the matter with Vladimir Putin.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Zelensky’s White House meeting focused on securing support for Ukraine’s air-defence needs, particularly access to Patriot interceptors and potential production licences. Raytheon’s reported readiness to deepen cooperation was highlighted. Moscow’s claim of hundreds of intercepted drones and footage of localized damage underlined continued regional escalations and the urgency cited by Ukrainian officials.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Zelensky met Trump at the White House to seek commitments for Patriot interceptor support and a production licence.
• Raytheon delegation visited Kyiv and signalled readiness to expand partnership on air-defence systems.
• Moscow reported over 390 Ukrainian drones targeted the region overnight, with most intercepted and localized damage reported.