President Donald Trump has significantly warmed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, driven by Ukraine's recent battlefield successes, particularly long-range strikes deep inside Russia. This shift was evident during a private dinner at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, where Trump was reportedly "hugely impressed and enthusiastic" about Ukraine's military campaign. This marks a notable change from a previously tense relationship, including a "disastrous blow-up" in the Oval Office in February 2025.
As a direct result of this improved relationship, Trump approved a major military initiative: granting Ukraine a license to produce its own Patriot interceptor missiles. This move is a substantial departure from past US policy, which focused solely on supplying the missiles, and positions Ukraine as only the fourth country alongside Japan, Germany, and Poland to have such a license. Trump indicated this decision would ensure Ukraine can't "complain that we're not giving them enough" and shared that he would discuss it with the "company" (Lockheed Martin, the Patriot manufacturer).
Trump also committed to increasing sanctions on Russian energy and pledged that the US would purchase Ukrainian drones. These developments are seen as significant wins for Ukraine's defense capabilities, especially given the increased intensity of Russian attacks. Ukrainian officials, including Ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna, have welcomed these signals, urging for their conversion into concrete decisions. The improved relationship comes amidst reports of Ukraine eliminating approximately 35,000 Russian troops monthly, a rate Moscow reportedly cannot sustain.
