EditTrump announces U.S. license for Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles in meeting with Zelenskyy
He added that the U.S. also needs Patriots and expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to ramp up production quickly once given the technology
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, where Trump announced that the United States would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defence missiles domestically.
The meeting took place amid broader NATO discussions on defence spending, support for Ukraine, and regional security issues.
Trump highlighted the move as a way to address Ukraine’s needs while acknowledging U.S. production constraints.
“We are gonna give you a license to make Patriots,” Trump said. “This way he can’t complain that we are not giving him enough. Make them yourself.”
He added that the U.S. also needs Patriots and expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to ramp up production quickly once given the technology and guidance.
Zelenskyy had previously raised the need for more air defence systems and licenses as a priority during the discussions. Ukraine has long sought greater self-sufficiency in producing interceptors for systems like the Patriot, which have proven critical in defending against Russian missile and drone attacks.
Lighthearted exchange on peace talks
In one exchange captured on video and widely shared, Trump asked Zelenskyy whether he would be willing to travel to Moscow for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy replied: “It’s difficult. There are a lot of Ukrainian drones there.”
Trump agreed, responding: “That is right. It is hard to go to Moscow.”
When Trump asked Zelensky if he would agree to go to Moscow for talks with Putin, Zelensky replied:
“It’s difficult. There are a lot of Ukrainian drones there.”
Trump agreed, saying:
“That is right. It is hard to go to Moscow.” pic.twitter.com/Uvpn5RYebN
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 8, 2026
The exchange underscored the reality of Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, which have targeted Russian territory, including energy infrastructure, in recent months.
Broader discussion and atmosphere
Trump described the overall NATO leaders’ meeting positively, stating there was “a lot of love in that room, a lot of unity.”
He referred to both Putin and Zelenskyy as “difficult characters” but noted progress in recent weeks toward a potential settlement, saying both sides want to end the war. Trump also indicated openness to Ukraine’s drone production and mentioned that the U.S. would consider buying Ukrainian drones.
Zelenskyy emphasized gratitude for U.S. support and reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to pursue peace while prioritizing strengthened air defences.
Context of the NATO summit
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting occurred on the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara. NATO allies reaffirmed commitments to collective defence and announced plans for significant military assistance to Ukraine, including approximately $70 billion in aid over the coming period, alongside investments in air and missile defence, drones, and advanced technologies.
The summit has focused heavily on burden-sharing among allies, with Trump continuing to press for higher defence spending from European partners.
Trump sharply criticized Spain, calling it “a terrible partner in NATO” that “doesn’t participate” and “doesn’t pay.”
He added: “I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits,” and directed officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to implement the measure amid ongoing tensions over defence spending and alliance contributions.
BREAKING: Trump:
Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits.
Watch them come running back. He will come running back.
They treat Mark Rutte terribly. pic.twitter.com/jVMHNrjpAh
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 8, 2026
In Ankara, Trump reiterated his desire for the United States to control Greenland, stating it “should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark” due to its strategic Arctic importance.
He claimed the issue has harmed U.S.-NATO relations, referencing Denmark’s WWII occupation and prior U.S. protection of the island, while Danish leaders including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected the idea, stating “Greenland is of course not for sale.”
Trump did not fully repair relations with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the NATO summit.
Tensions were high beforehand after Trump posted a meme mocking Meloni with “restraining order needed” on Truth Social.
Trump trolls Meloni: “A restraining order is needed”. No response from Palazzo Chigi
At the summit, the two leaders exchanged a brief handshake and greeting during the family photo, and Trump publicly praised her as “doing a fantastic job” in a meeting with Turkey’s Erdogan. However, their interaction remained awkward and limited, with no substantive bilateral meeting or resolution of the feud reported.
Caption: Screenshot from the Trump-Zelenskyy press point in Ankara [Georgi Gotev]
Updated: July 8, 2026 - 16:57
