Zelenskyy-Trump call focuses on air defence and energy attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with President Donald Trump on 11 October. They discussed recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid and the United States' peace efforts in the Middle East.
'It was a good, very productive conversation,' Mr Zelenskyy said. 'I informed President Trump about the Russian strikes on our energy system. I am grateful for his support. We discussed possibilities for strengthening our air defence and the agreements we're preparing in this regard. We have good options, strong ideas on how we can truly strengthen ourselves. Russians must be ready to participate in real diplomacy. This can be secured through strength. Thank you, Mr President!' Mr Zelenskyy posted on X.
During the conversation, the Ukrainian President also congratulated Mr Trump on the successful Middle East agreement, after the United States helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The country's air defence intercepted 54 of the 78 Shahed attack drones and other drones launched by Russia overnight. Russian forces struck energy infrastructure again, escalating pressure on the Ukrainian power grid ahead of the colder winter months.
Also, on 10 October, Ukrainian authorities resorted to emergency power outages following a massive Russian attack on energy infrastructure.
The two leaders, Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy, had previously met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 23 September, after which Mr Trump stated that Ukraine is capable of liberating its entire territory, in an unexpected rhetorical shift.
Mr Trump has repeatedly promised to broker a rapid peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, but the efforts have been largely stalled as Russia continues to reject a ceasefire and escalates its attacks on Ukraine.
The day before his call with Mr Trump, Mr Zelenskyy also held phone calls with European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian media reported.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
