Zelensky to press Trump on air defences while in Washington

What Happened

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington to hold talks with US President Donald Trump, seeking to secure a licence for Ukraine to co-produce Patriot interceptor missiles. The visit comes as Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that Russian air defences intercepted over 390 Ukrainian drones targeting the Moscow region between 20:30 Monday and 06:30 Tuesday local time. BBC Verify confirmed footage of damage to a high-rise building in Chekhov and a warehouse fire in Berezhki, though local officials in Chekhov reported no casualties. Zelensky's push follows Trump's earlier support for the licence, but the co-production involves a lengthy legal and technical process, despite a recent visit to Kyiv by US manufacturer Raytheon expressing readiness for deeper partnership. Separately, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, coinciding with the US-Israel war on Iran, as Kyiv accuses Iran of being a direct accomplice to Russian aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Duma that Russia's enemies were resorting to 'terrorist methods' but that Russia would achieve its objectives. Meanwhile, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested freezing the conflict and returning to the Istanbul formula for negotiations, though Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said freezing was impossible given Kyiv's position.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Zelensky's visit aims to secure a critical capability for Ukraine's air defence as Russia intensifies ballistic missile strikes. Co-production of Patriot interceptors would mark a significant industrial and political commitment by the US, potentially reshaping the conflict's dynamics if approved. The large-scale drone attack on Moscow demonstrates Kyiv's long-range strike capability and intent to bring the war to the Russian capital. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's call for a freeze highlights growing weariness among Russia's allies, but Moscow's rejection underscores entrenched positions.

Watch For

The outcome of Zelensky-Trump talks, particularly any concrete agreement on Patriot co-production or alternative air defence aid. Reactions to the Ukrainian drone wave on Moscow, including potential escalatory Russian responses. Developments in the US-Israel-Iran conflict and any spillover affecting Ukraine support, as well as further diplomatic moves following Kazakhstan's peace proposal.