Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put forward a major offer to the United States, proposing to purchase $100 billion worth of American weapons in a bid to win the favor of President Donald Trump.
Trump met with Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House on Monday, following his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday. According to the Financial Times, during these discussions Ukraine pledged to buy $100 billion in US arms in return for financial aid from European countries.
The report also said Zelensky suggested a separate $50 billion partnership with Washington to jointly manufacture drones with Ukrainian companies. With Ukraine now recognized as a global leader in drone technology due to the ongoing war, Zelensky framed the deal as a way to persuade Trump to grant security guarantees that would deter future Russian aggression.
While the document outlining the proposal did not specify which weapons would be included, Ukraine has already expressed interest in acquiring at least 10 Patriot air defense systems along with other missile systems and equipment to protect key cities and infrastructure. Similarly, the proposed drone partnership lacked details on production volumes or investment levels, the Financial Times noted.
The offer comes as Trump emphasizes his commitment to bolstering US industry. He has repeatedly stressed that America will not provide Ukraine with free weapons, but is willing to sell them.
At the White House, Trump discussed ways to end the war with Zelensky and seven European leaders. Following the meeting, he announced that bilateral talks between Zelensky and Putin would soon take place, to be followed by trilateral negotiations that he himself would join, according to The New York Times.
Following his meeting with Zelensky and European leaders, President Trump wrote on social media that he had begun preparations for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
Zelensky also said at a press conference that he was ready to meet with the Russian president.
Ukraine wants ‘security guarantees’ to prevent Russia from attacking it again in the future. That has also been discussed and significant progress has been made, the leaders said.
