Trump and Zelenskiy Discuss Patriot Licenses in Washington

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately in the Oval Office on July 28, 2026, to discuss reviving peace talks with Russia and licensing the production of Patriot missile interceptors within Ukraine. The meeting preceded the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Ukrainian ally who died on July 11.

While the two leaders sought to improve relations following early clashes in Trump's second term, the diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of strained military aid. The U.S. Department of Defense recently informed Congress that it would not finish spending 400 million dollars in authorized aid to Kyiv until fiscal year 2029. Despite this, the U.S. now seeks Ukrainian expertise in drone warfare and rapid technological adaptation to assist U.S. forces struggling in a conflict with Iran.

Following the funeral, Zelenskiy planned to meet with senators to discuss a bipartisan package of new sanctions on Russia. These efforts continue as Russian forces maintain their advance and continue bombing Ukrainian cities, challenging Trump's previous assertions that he could end the war within 24 hours.