“I spoke with President Trump; it was a very nice conversation,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address.
“Thank you for your readiness to support Ukraine and work together to stop the killings and build a lasting, just peace.”
Zelenskyy specified the conversation was focused on the arms deal that was announced during Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office earlier the same day.
“It is important that we maintain strong relations and that NATO countries work to boost their defense spending,” the Ukrainian president added.
“We discussed the necessary measures to provide greater protection against Russian strikes and to strengthen our positions. We are ready to work as productively as possible to achieve peace.”
Zelenskyy also said he and Trump agreed to speak on the phone more frequently to coordinate their next steps.
“Thank you, Mr. President! Thank you, America!” he concluded.
In addition, Zelenskyy said he also spoke with Rutte about the deal he struck in Washington.
“We appreciate the readiness to provide additional Patriot [air defense] systems,” the president stated.
“America, Germany, and Norway are already working together on this. Additional weapons will be supplied to protect the lives of our people and to repel Russian attacks. It is important to increase pressure on Russia for the sake of peace and human life. Thank you, Mark.”
Earlier on July 14, Trump announced a major arms deal under which other NATO allies will purchase military equipment from the United States and then ship it to Ukraine.
He also said that several countries with Patriot systems would donate them to Ukraine, while the United States would sell replacements to those countries.