Got positive signals on resuming military aid from US, says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said that Kyiv has received “all necessary political signals for military aid resumption” following recent talks with US President Donald Trump, which he described as constructive.

According to Reuters, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine has been provided with “a timetable and details of weapons supplies,” amid intensified Russian attacks.

His remarks come after Trump has grown increasingly - and publicly - frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war drags on.

Earlier today, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he conveyed his “disappointment and frustration” to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine.

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“I echoed what the president (Donald Trump) said, both a disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress,” The Guardian quoted Rubio, who met Lavrov on the sidelines of the Asean gathering in Malaysia, as saying in a 50-minute meeting.

Meanwhile, Russia ramped up its assault on Ukraine, launching a wave of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv early Thursday. Thousands of residents were forced into shelters as Ukrainian air defences struggled to keep up with the escalating attacks.

Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv early Thursday, forcing thousands into shelters as Ukraine’s air defences struggle under intensifying attacks.

Zelenskyy said Russia launched 18 missiles and around 400 drones, following a record 728-drone barrage the night before.

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President Trump, who returned to power this year vowing to quickly end the war, has taken a tougher tone recently.

A day after resuming US arms deliveries to Ukraine, he dismissed Putin’s peace signals as “meaningless.”

Trump is also weighing support for a Senate bill proposing severe sanctions on Russia, including 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian energy and raw materials.

Zelenskyy also confirmed Bloomberg reports that he may soon appoint a new ambassador to the United States.

He said he is considering Defence Minister Rustem Umerov for the role, emphasising that the envoy’s primary responsibility would be to strengthen Ukraine’s defence posture against continued Russian aggression.

Providing more detail on Kyiv’s efforts to bolster its air defence, Zelenskyy said discussions with Trump included a “positive dialogue” on the US Patriot missile system.

He added that Germany has agreed to fund two Patriot systems for Ukraine, while Norway will cover the cost of another. Additional European nations may contribute once cost and logistical details are clarified.

On sanctions, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in continued US leadership, saying he expects Washington to implement “tough” measures to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign.

With inputs from agencies