Trump, Zelensky discuss Patriot missile production license at White House meeting

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with the main agenda focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense capacity against Russian missile strikes. Following the meeting, Zelensky said on X that the two leaders discussed a license for the production of Patriot missiles in Ukraine, describing the weapon system as critical for air defense, and added that he secured a commitment on the issue. The two leaders also exchanged views on reviving diplomatic efforts to end the war, according to Zelensky's post. U.S. mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict have slowed in recent months amid the broader conflict with Iran, and the meeting comes against that backdrop. The Trump-Zelensky meeting lasted slightly more than an hour and was held behind closed doors, according to U.S. media reports.