Zelensky expects to meet with Trump in September regarding ballistic missile defense

President Volodymyr Zelensky expects to meet with US President Donald Trump in the twenties of September to discuss strengthening Ukraine's anti-ballistic defense before winter. American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have already received detailed information from Kyiv about the necessary interceptor missiles and desired delivery timelines.

Zelensky said this on September 8 during a conversation with journalists.

According to the president, Ukraine is preparing a separate "winter package" of means to combat Russian ballistic missiles. He intends to personally raise this issue during the expected meeting with Trump.

Zelensky noted that during the last massive Russian attack, Ukrainian air defense destroyed about 90% of almost 180 aerial targets, including more than three dozen cruise missiles. At the same time, effectiveness against ballistic missiles was significantly lower precisely because of the shortage of necessary interception means.

Ukraine is simultaneously developing its own anti-ballistic program FREYJA and expects the participation of the US and European partners in it.

Kushner brought new proposals for ending the war

Zelensky also reported that during the recent negotiations, Jared Kushner presented new ideas within the American "peace package". The president characterized some of these proposals as "very decent", but emphasized that it is not yet known whether they can be implemented in practice.

The Ukrainian side must thoroughly study the proposed solutions and form its position. Zelensky refused to reveal their content, explaining that Kyiv and Washington agreed to first do the necessary work, and only after that publicly present the developed proposals.

The president noted that the visits of Witkoff and Kushner first to Moscow and then to Kyiv indicate the restoration of an active negotiation process. At the same time, according to him, Ukraine has already agreed to a significant number of compromise solutions and now expects reciprocal steps from Russia.

Ukraine ready to seek compromise on grain and energy

Among the areas where Kyiv is ready to discuss compromise solutions, Zelensky named food and energy. He stressed that these issues are important not only for Ukraine and Russia, but also for large importers of food and energy resources - in particular India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

The next trilateral meeting may take place in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, or Turkey. According to Zelensky, Ukraine already has experience negotiating at these venues and has received relevant proposals from various states.

Among the topics of the future meeting may be energy and grain exports. At the same time, one of the main priorities for Kyiv remains the humanitarian direction - primarily increasing the number and speeding up prisoner-of-war exchanges.

Americans spoke with Putin about economic deals

Zelensky also reported that Witkoff and Kushner discussed economic issues during negotiations with Vladimir Putin. The president stated that he does not know all the details of their conversation, but assumed that cooperation in the energy sector could have been among the topics.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine must oppose any decisions that would create additional sources of income for Russia and allow increased funding for the war.

Witkoff and Kushner ready to come to Kyiv again

The president said that the American representatives agreed to visit Ukraine again. This time Zelensky suggested they arrive in Kyiv by plane.

According to him, the Boryspil and "Kyiv" (Zhuliany) airports are technically ready to receive delegations. During the previous visit, a route through Belarusian Gomel was also considered, but the American security service ultimately chose the train.

Zelensky suggested that next time the American plane should remain in Poland or another neighboring country, and Witkoff and Kushner should switch to a Ukrainian presidential aircraft for the flight to Kyiv. The key condition for such a route remains ensuring a safe air corridor.

Based on materials from: Novyny.LIVE, Office of the President of Ukraine