**Trump Opens Door for Ukraine to Push for US Military Aid and Sanctions on Russia**
U.S. President Donald Trump has opened the door for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to press his country’s case for buying advanced U.S. military systems, including the Patriot air defense system, and tougher sanctions against Russia.
The development comes as Trump prepares to meet Zelenskiy at the NATO summit in The Hague this week. In a surprise move, Trump said he would probably meet Zelenskiy during the summit, giving Ukraine an opportunity to push its case for U.S. military aid and support.
**Ukraine Seeks Patriot Missile Systems and Tougher Sanctions**
Zelenskiy has outlined three priorities if he meets with Trump: to discuss the purchase of Patriot missile defense systems; to talk about tougher sanctions on Russia; and to explore diplomatic ways to apply pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a statement, Zelenskiy’s office said that Ukraine was “ready to find the money for this whole package” rather than requesting it as military aid. This suggests that Ukraine is willing to invest its own resources in buying U.S. military systems, including the Patriot system, which is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world.
**Tougher Sanctions on Russia**
Zelenskiy’s push for tougher sanctions on Russia is also significant. The Ukrainian president has long argued that Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine have been major obstacles to peace and stability in the region.
By calling for tougher sanctions, Zelenskiy is putting pressure on Trump to take a stronger stance against Russia. This could be seen as a way to counterbalance Russia’s influence in the region and to demonstrate U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**What’s at Stake**
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy comes at a critical moment, with tensions between the United States and Russia running high over issues such as election interference, cybersecurity, and military interventions in Syria and Ukraine.
A successful meeting could be seen as a victory for Ukraine, which has been seeking greater support from the international community to counter Russian aggression. However, it also risks raising concerns about U.S.-Russia relations and whether Trump is willing to take a tougher stance against Russia’s actions.
**What’s Next**
The outcome of the meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy will be closely watched by diplomats, military officials, and policymakers around the world. While it remains unclear what specific agreements or commitments might emerge from their discussions, one thing is certain: the stakes are high for both Ukraine and the United States.
Read More @ www.reuters.com
