Zelenskyy discusses air defense with Vance in 'good phone call'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he received a "good phone call" from US Vice President JD Vance on 31 July, during which they discussed a range of issues, including air defence systems for Ukraine. In a post on X, Zelenskyy indicated that a key topic was interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems, which are used to counter ballistic missiles.

Zelenskyy noted that the call followed up on a recent meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, which he described as positive and productive. He emphasized that air defence, specifically Patriot interceptors against ballistic missiles, remains a top priority as Russia continues its air attacks on Ukraine unabated.

The two officials also talked about the effects of Russia's war on global markets. According to Zelenskyy, they agreed that their teams would remain in contact and work through all the issues discussed. He expressed gratitude to the United States for its support of Ukraine and its people.

In related background, US President Donald Trump has said he is "not sure" whether to allow Ukraine to produce interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. Earlier, The Atlantic reported that during closed-door talks at the White House on 28 July, Zelenskyy asked Trump to permit Ukraine to use the Starlink system on Russian territory to strike ballistic missile launchers.