NATO Summit in Ankara: Zelensky met with Trump, who said "a little bird told him" important news about Patriot

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting on Wednesday, July 8, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye. One of the key topics of the talks is strengthening Ukraine's air defense, RBC-Ukraine reports.

The meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States began at 3:52 p.m. local time, which is the same as Kyiv time. It is taking place after the conclusion of the North Atlantic Council meeting at the level of NATO heads of state and government. According to the official schedule of the U.S. president, one hour has been allocated for the talks with Zelensky. Afterward, Trump is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the president of Syria, followed by a press conference at 4:15 p.m., concluding his participation in the summit.

Zelensky said that the main topics of the talks are air defense, the peace process, and the "drone deal". The president added that he wants to discuss important details of bilateral cooperation.

Speaking about his relationship with Zelensky, Trump said: "We have developed a good relationship—from the Oval Office until now". After Zelensky replied, "This is not the end", Trump responded: "This is the beginning."

Trump also said that Ukraine has a great future because of its land, resources, and people.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is discussing the possibility of strengthening Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities: "We are discussing Ukraine's ability to reach deep into russia". Commenting on this, Trump said: "That's escalation. But it's an escalation that could lead to the end of the war".

Speaking about a peace agreement between Ukraine and russia, Trump said that it "has been in the works for a long time" and compared the war to a fight between two people in a park: "Sometimes, maybe you have to let them fight".

Trump also stated that the United States may allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot systems. "A little bird told me that we're going to give them (the Ukrainians) the right to make Patriot. We'll show them how to make them", - the U.S. president said.