Senior Ukrainian officials met with major U.S. weapons manufacturers ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House later this week, as Kyiv seeks stronger military support in its war with Russia.
A delegation led by Andrii Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president’s office, and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko held talks with executives from U.S. defense giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, Yermak said in a Telegram post Wednesday.
Although he didn’t specify details, Yermak said cooperation with both companies “continues to grow.” Ukraine is reportedly seeking cruise missiles, advanced air defense systems, and joint drone production agreements, according to presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.
Raytheon produces Patriot air defense systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles — weapons that Ukraine hopes to obtain to strengthen its long-range strike capability. Lockheed Martin manufactures a wide range of advanced systems, including those used by NATO allies.
Zelenskyy is expected to request Trump’s approval to purchase Tomahawk missiles during their upcoming Oval Office meeting. Washington has been cautious about the move, fearing it could escalate the war and worsen U.S.-Russia tensions.
Trump, however, warned Moscow on Sunday that he might authorize the delivery of Tomahawks if Russia refuses to end the war soon — a move seen as an attempt to pressure President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces said they struck an oil terminal in Russian-occupied Feodosia in Crimea overnight, damaging 16 fuel reservoirs. Russia retaliated with missile strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, causing blackouts in at least two regions, according to Naftogaz.
Ukraine’s delegation also met U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to finalize a new U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, aimed at boosting investment in the country’s mineral, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
