Zelenskyy and Meloni Discuss Anti-Ballistic Cooperation at NATO Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening anti-ballistic cooperation and addressing Ukraine's air defence needs. The discussions came as Russia continued its missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy briefed Meloni on the latest security situation in Ukraine, noting that Russia had launched fresh ballistic missile and drone attacks. He stated, "Russia does not stop attacking our cities and communities. Today, there were ballistic missile strikes again, and attack drones were launched as well. Sadly, there are people killed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Russia has taken the lives of five people. My condolences to their families and loved ones."
Joint Efforts to Enhance Anti-Ballistic Capabilities
Zelenskyy said the two leaders discussed prospects for joint work in Europe to enhance anti-ballistic capabilities and strengthen regional security. He emphasized, "We discussed the prospects for our joint work in Europe on anti-ballistic capabilities to provide greater protection for everyone - both Ukraine and every country." He added that the talks also focused on the need for additional missile interceptions for Ukraine's air defence, stating, "We spoke about the need for additional interceptors, and we are counting very much on support. Italy has always helped in a principled way to protect life."
Trump Expresses Optimism on Peace Agreement
Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the prospects of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, while maintaining that "nothing has changed" in his assessment of the conflict, according to CNN. Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara during the NATO summit, Trump said he had a "very good talk" with Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier and had also spoken with Zelenskyy. "I think they both want to make a deal. It's too bad it took so long, but I think there's going to be -- something's going to come out," Trump said, as quoted by CNN. "They both wanna get it settled now... I think we're going to get it settled. Hopefully soon," he added.
Trump's Remarks on US Role and Violence
When asked whether anything had changed to make him more optimistic, including whether Putin was willing to make concessions, Trump replied, "Never changed." He stated, "I just don't want them killing people," referring to the ongoing war and the reported monthly death toll. According to CNN, Trump also said the conflict affects Europe more directly than the United States. "It doesn't affect us. It affects Europe much more. We're there to help Europe, but it doesn't affect the United States. We have an ocean in between. But, you know, it's just I can't stand watching what's happening," he said. Trump added that he had seen images from the battlefield and described the scale of the violence: "People wouldn't believe how violent it is. I've never seen anything like it. It's carnage, and it should stop."
Zelenskyy Urges European Allies to Prioritize Anti-Ballistic Production
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Zelenskyy urged European allies to prioritize the production of anti-ballistic missile systems, saying Europe must strengthen its defences against Russia's missile capabilities, as reported by CNN.
