Zelenskyy emphasizes air defense needs in call with Macron, describes second call with Trump within two days as "also very productive"

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy made phone calls on Sunday to French President Macron and U.S. President Trump. Zelenskyy introduced the Ukrainian side's priority needs to Macron, first of all, air defense systems and missiles. Zelenskyy also described his second call with Trump within two days as "also very productive."

Zelenskyy introduced via the social media platform X: "I thank France for its significant contribution to saving lives. I introduced to him (Macron) our primary needs - first of all, air defense systems and missiles. Russia is taking advantage of this opportunity - the Middle East issue and domestic issues of various countries are receiving maximum attention. Russian attacks have become more despicable."

Zelenskyy added, "We discussed how to deal with this situation. In particular, we are working to expand the 'Ukraine Priority Needs List' (PURL) initiative. We also coordinated contacts with other partners and diplomatic initiatives in the coming weeks. We are striving to increase pressure on Russia."

Macron also stated via the X platform: "Although the Gaza agreement brings hope for peace in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine must also end. If Russia persists in its stubborn belligerent attitude and refuses to sit at the negotiating table, it will have to pay a price."

Macron said: "France condemns Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, which actually target civilians at the time of winter. We are discussing with partners the assistance needed to restore and ensure basic services."

Macron emphasized: "France is more determined than ever to stand with Ukraine and actively acts as a member of the 'Voluntary Alliance'."

Zelenskyy then introduced: "I just had a call with President Trump - this is the second call within two days - the conversation today was also very productive."

Zelenskyy said: "Yesterday, we reached an agreement on a series of topics to be discussed today, covering all aspects of the current situation: protecting the lives of our people, strengthening our air defense, defense capabilities, and long-range combat capabilities. We also discussed many details related to the energy sector. President Trump is well aware of everything that is happening."

Zelenskyy added: "We agreed to continue the dialogue, and our team is preparing. Thank you!" Previously, according to short news website Axios, citing sources, Trump discussed the possibility of Ukraine obtaining "Tomahawk" cruise missiles during a call with Zelenskyy.

The conventional "Tomahawk" cruise missile has a warhead of about 450 kilograms and a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, capable of striking deep into Russian territory including Moscow. The Ukrainian side believes this would help force Putin to sit at the negotiation table.

The sources did not disclose whether a final decision has been made. Additionally, Ukrainian officials stated that a high-level delegation led by the head of the presidential office Yermak and Prime Minister Syvridenko is expected to arrive in Washington next week to discuss security cooperation and sanctions against Russia with the Trump administration.

Source: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845833821595723/

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