In a significant diplomatic and strategic move, a high-level Ukrainian delegation has engaged with leading U.S. defense contractors during a visit to the United States. The delegation, led by Andrii Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president’s office, and Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, met with representatives from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. While specifics of the discussions remain undisclosed, Yermak emphasized the growing collaboration between Ukraine and these defense giants as Kyiv seeks advanced weaponry to counter Russia’s ongoing aggression, which began on February 24, 2022. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Yermak, revealed that Ukraine is particularly interested in acquiring cruise missiles, air defense systems, and joint drone production agreements. Raytheon’s Patriot air defense systems and Tomahawk cruise missiles are of particular interest, as they could enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, including Moscow, with precision and significant impact. Lockheed Martin’s advanced weapon systems also hold strategic value for Ukraine’s defense efforts. The visit precedes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where Zelenskyy is expected to seek approval for the procurement of Tomahawk missiles. However, Washington has expressed reservations, fearing such a move could escalate the conflict and strain U.S.-Russia relations. Trump has warned Russia that the U.S. may supply Tomahawks if Moscow does not soon end its war in Ukraine, potentially using this as leverage to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that if peace efforts fail, the U.S. and its allies will impose significant costs on Russia. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cautioned that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would severely damage U.S.-Russia relations. In parallel, Ukraine and the U.S. are finalizing the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, which grants American access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, with potential projects in critical minerals, energy, and infrastructure sectors taking shape. Amid these developments, both nations continue to target each other’s energy assets, with Ukraine striking a Russian oil terminal in Crimea and Russia attacking Ukrainian power infrastructure, causing blackouts in multiple regions.
Ukrainian officials meet with US weapons manufacturers before Trump-Zelenskyy talks
