Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been officially invited to Washington by President Donald Trumpto hold a series of key meetings this week, in a context marked by the recent peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, achieved by the Trump administration.
The Ukrainian embassy in the United States confirmed the invitation on Monday, which was extended after two phone conversations between both leaders over the weekend.
Zelensky confirmed that the meeting with Trump at the White House will be on Friday, and stated that he will present a series of proposals related to Ukraine's defense and security.
Zelenski presionará al gobierno estadounidense para forzar a Putin a terminar la guerra
Before that meeting, a Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov will arrive in the U.S. capital to hold meetings with political leaders, defense companies, and energy firms.
In a post on social network X, Zelensky stated: "This meeting is necessary. It was President Trump's proposal, and I'll meet with these companies because there are urgent needs linked to different attack formats, including possible future attacks. We must be prepared."
During the weekend calls, Trump and Zelensky discussed a broad agenda, including air defense, resilience capacity, and strengthening Ukraine's long-range weaponry. They also talked about issues related to the energy sector, a strategic front in the war against Russia.
Los miembros del gabinete de Zelenski se sumarán a la reunión
Zelensky pointed out that the recent success of the Trump administration in achieving a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas demonstrates that similar pressure can be applied toVladimir Putin. "Putin can be forced to make peace, like any other terrorist. Even Hamas released hostages. If that was possible, then Putin can also be pressured to restore peace," Zelensky declared.
In recent interviews, the Ukrainian president has requested Tomahawk long-range missiles from the United States, capable of striking deep military targets inside Russian territory.
When asked about this possibility, Trump did not rule out the idea and told reporters on Air Force One: "We could tell them (Russia) that if the war isn't solved, we could send the Tomahawks. Maybe we'll do it, maybe we won't. Do they want Tomahawks heading their way? I don't think so."
Zelensky also explained that Ukraine needs two key things to exert real pressure on Putin: strong air defenses and long-range weapons. He also emphasized that his country has been striking Russian energy infrastructure, considered one of the Kremlin's main sources of funding, as a tactic to weaken its ability to sustain the war.
Trump está abierto al envío de misiles a Ucrania, pero ha cuestionado los motivos de Kiev para obtenerlos
