Zelensky Courts U.S. Defense and Energy Firms in Washington for Air-Defense Support, Joint Production

Overview

• Zelensky said his talks with Raytheon covered production capacity, long‑range options, and prospects for Ukrainian‑American co‑production tied to Patriot air defenses.
• Raytheon representatives offered condolences over Russian strikes and affirmed their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine.
• Separate meetings with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and executives from Bechtel, GE Vernova, Westinghouse, and Lockheed Martin explored energy projects and defense needs, including F‑16s and compatible missiles.
• Zelensky cited escalating Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, reporting more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles launched daily and strikes that also hit repair crews.
• Ahead of his meeting with President Trump, Zelensky faced U.S. reluctance to provide Tomahawks after Trump said he is not ready to supply the long‑range missiles.