“The number one diplomatic priority for Ukraine at the moment is cooperation in terms of air defense,” wrote Volodymyr Zelensky on X before his meeting with Giorgia Meloni. “We need air defense missiles every day – every day the Russians continue their strikes on our cities,” he added, following Russian attacks across Ukraine that left seven dead, including a child, according to regional authorities. Volodymyr Zelensky also visited Norway on Tuesday, where he once again agreed with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to strengthen cooperation in defense and security.
The issue of arms deliveries
The Ukrainian president told German television that the issue of arms deliveries from the United States – which reduced their support under the presidency of Donald Trump – had become “a big problem.” Volodymyr Zelensky is pressuring European countries to join the PURL program, launched last year, which allows Ukraine to receive American equipment financed by European countries. Italy has sent weapons to Kiev – including the Franco-Italian air defense system SAMP/T – but has not joined PURL.
Peace talks between Moscow and Kiev, initiated by the United States, are at a standstill, with Ukraine refusing to cede territory to Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that American negotiators “are constantly in talks with Iran and do not have time for Ukraine.” Giorgia Meloni was one of Washington’s closest allies in Europe and defended Kiev’s cause to Donald Trump. However, their relationship soured due to the war in Iran, with Donald Trump sharply criticizing Giorgia Meloni in an interview on Tuesday. “I am shocked. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he told the Italian daily “Corriere della Sera.”
