• Zelenskyy and Trump discussed enhancing Ukraine's air defenses amid escalating Russian attacks.
• Trump expressed support for Ukraine's request for more Patriot missiles.
• The conversation was described as the most productive between the two leaders to date.
• Further discussions on joint defense production and mutual investments took place.
• This call follows Trump's disappointing conversation with Putin regarding the lack of ceasefire efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump as "very important and fruitful," focusing on strengthening Ukraine's air defenses in light of escalating Russian military strikes. Zelenskyy indicated they would work together to enhance Kyiv's capability to "defend the sky," as Russian attacks continue to intensify, including a significant drone strike on Kyiv that left casualties and damage behind according to various reports, including Newsweek, Reuters, and TRT Global.

During the call, discussions included joint production and cooperative investments in the defense sector, particularly regarding defense technologies and systems. Zelenskyy noted, "We need it, America needs it," which aligns with Ukraine's ongoing requests for more Patriot missiles intended for air defense, reports say, as Trump highlighted the importance of these systems during his conversations, as noted by Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, and SCMP.

Trump emphasized, after their discussion, that Ukraine would indeed require more support, stating, "They're going to need them for defense," thereby acknowledging the urgency of the ongoing threat posed by Russia, which he communicated following his own "disappointing" talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where no progress on ceasefire was made. This sentiment has been echoed in multiple sources, including India Times and Reuters.

Reflecting on the discussions, Zelenskyy characterized the call as the best he has had with Trump thus far, further expressing gratitude for U.S. willingness to assist in air defense matters, which are crucial for Ukraine as heightened Russian aggression continues to threaten its stability, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.