On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in the Oval Office ahead of Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral. The private meeting focused on ways for Ukraine to produce its own powerful weapons and other support measures to aid Kyiv in its ongoing war against Russia.

This discussion followed a significant announcement made earlier in July at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump declared that the US would grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriot missile defence systems. This move addresses a long-standing request from Kyiv to better counter Russian missile attacks.

After the meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude on social media for the "good meeting" and the efforts of the Republican administration to support Ukraine. He stated, "The President and I discussed licences for Patriot interceptor production and several other ideas that could help." Zelensky also conveyed condolences to Trump for the passing of Lindsey Graham, a close ally, and emphasized the importance of reinvigorating diplomatic processes.

The White House did not immediately comment on the meeting. Zelensky’s visit to Washington was also to honor Senator Graham, whose last official act was visiting Kyiv and securing sanctions against countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and other exports.

Sources