FT: Trump tells Zelenskyy he is impressed by Ukraine’s military successes
During a G7 summit dinner, US President Donald Trump expressed admiration for Ukraine's recent military progress, particularly long-range strikes inside Russia, according to sources.
US President Donald Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a dinner at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains last week that he was impressed by Kyiv's recent military successes, the Financial Times reported, citing anonymous Ukrainian officials.
Sources say Trump was particularly enthusiastic about Ukraine's campaign of long-range strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory. Two people familiar with the private discussions between the leaders confirmed this.
Zelenskyy said after the meeting that Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had responded positively for the first time to the issue of licenses for Patriot interceptor missiles. Ukrainian officials remain cautious but expressed cautious optimism about potential progress on weapons supplies and production licenses.
European capitals have seized on Trump's apparent shift in stance to push for stronger support for Ukraine. A senior NATO military official noted that with proper supplies, Ukraine can generate real operational effects and Russian defensive lines are not impenetrable.
Earlier, the Kyiv Independent reported that Trump privately advised Zelenskyy to act "more boldly" towards Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump changed his mind about Russia's war after the G7 summit. Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov claimed European leaders "fed" Trump "harmful ideas" at the summit.
