Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday extended his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his decision to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, calling it a critical step toward protecting Ukrainian lives amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Speaking out via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine remains committed to pursuing peace—but emphasized that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, continues to prolong the war in an attempt to normalize conflict.
“I am grateful to President Trump for his readiness to help protect our people’s lives. This war continues solely because of Russia, because of Putin’s desire to drag it out. Russia is trying to make the war seem like the ‘new normal.’ We must never put up with this,” Zelenskyy stated.
Ukraine Eyes New Defense Agreements with the U.S.
Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukraine is actively working on major defense agreements with the United States and other allies. He specifically thanked the U.S., Germany, and Norway for supporting a new decision to deliver additional Patriot missile systems.
“I’m grateful to our team and the United States, Germany, and Norway for preparing a new decision on Patriots for Ukraine. We are also working on major defense agreements with America,” he said.
President Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. would send Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine, one of the most urgent requests by Kyiv to help counter Russia’s intensifying air assaults. Trump said the decision came after repeated Russian missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.
“We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,” Trump stated, emphasizing that NATO allies would help fund the weapons.
Russia Escalates Strikes; Ukraine Calls for Cutting Off Support to Moscow
Zelenskyy renewed calls for the international community to disrupt Russia’s war machinery by severing its supply chains and global partnerships. He called for action against nations aiding Moscow’s military, including Iran and North Korea.
Russia’s war financing must be cut off. Its ties with Iran and North Korea must be cut off. Any supply of components and equipment for Russia’s military industry must be cut off,” he urged.
This comes as Russia intensifies its drone and missile campaign. On Saturday alone, Russia reportedly launched 597 drones and 26 cruise missiles, resulting in at least six civilian deaths. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted 319 drones and 25 cruise missiles.
‘Peace Only Possible Through Strength’
Despite ongoing violence, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to pursue “all effective steps” toward lasting peace and genuine security. However, he said Russia remains the primary obstacle.
“Peace is only possible through strength,” Zelenskyy said. “It is Russia that must be forced [to the table]. And this is what’s happening.”
The arrival of Patriot systems, along with broader support from NATO allies, is seen as a major boost to Ukraine’s air defenses. But as the war grinds on, questions remain about Russia’s next move—and whether diplomacy can prevail over force.
