A potential new path forward in the defense of Ukraine has emerged from a weekend phone call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump, who reportedly discussed “concrete agreements” on security. This development, shared by Zelensky, suggests that the partnership is moving beyond general support into a phase of specific, actionable military cooperation.
The conversation on Saturday was described by Zelensky as “very positive and productive.” It used the diplomatic momentum of the new Gaza peace deal as a springboard for a substantive discussion on the “Russian war.” Zelensky praised Trump’s achievement before pivoting to his own nation’s pressing needs.
The core of this new path lies in the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense. After briefing Trump on Russian attacks on the energy grid, the leaders focused on tangible solutions. Zelensky’s reference to “concrete agreements” being worked on is a significant step, implying that detailed plans for military assistance are actively being negotiated.
This focus on concrete steps aligns with Zelensky’s overarching strategy of achieving “real diplomacy” through “strength.” In his view, these security agreements are not just about defense; they are the building blocks of a future peace. By making Ukraine more secure, they create the leverage needed to negotiate with Russia on more favorable terms.
The call signals a maturation of the US-Ukraine alliance, where broad statements of support are being translated into specific, negotiated agreements. For Ukraine, this potential for a more formalized and detailed security partnership represents a crucial step in its long-term strategy for winning the war and securing a lasting peace.