Zelenskyy to discuss potential defense package purchase with Trump at G7 summit
Photo: EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to discuss the possibility of purchasing the next defense assistance package during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, scheduled for June 16–17. He announced this on Monday at a press conference in Austria.

"America supported Ukraine — supported it strongly — when European defense production was at a low point. Without that support, it would have been extremely difficult for us. I cannot and do not want to imagine how we would survive or fight for our lives without U.S. assistance," Zelenskyy stated.

He emphasized that the support received so far was the result of agreements reached in previous years.

"[Right now] we’re not discussing new aid from the United States. One of the topics I intend to raise with President Trump is a defense package that Ukraine is prepared to purchase. That will be part of our conversation — at least, I hope so," Zelenskyy said.

The last in-person meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump reportedly took place during the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26.

Zelenskyy expressed hope that the transatlantic alliance between Europe and the United States will remain intact, noting that it is the only way for this part of the world to remain "more or less safe."

"If problems arise, Europe will be forced to leap forward in industrial development. That requires enormous funding — and there’s not much time for it," Zelenskyy added.

  • Back in April 2025, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to purchase at least 10 Patriot air defense systems from the U.S. at an estimated cost of $15 billion.
  • However, in early June, he noted that the United States had not delivered 20,000 missiles to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones — a transfer previously agreed upon during President Biden’s administration.