Today, Tuesday, July 28, at 09:30 Washington time – 16:30 Kyiv time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. The goal is to resume ceasefire negotiations with Russia.
The negotiations will take place in the Oval Office of the White House. According to the published schedule, the meeting will be closed: journalists and photographers will not be admitted to the room.
The leaders are expected to discuss further support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, potential joint production of Patriot systems and drones, as well as increasing pressure on Russia. Zelensky arrived in Washington also to participate in the farewell ceremony for Senator Lindsey Graham.
The closed format of the meeting means that the details of the negotiations will likely become known later – through official statements from the White House and the Ukrainian side.
Judging by the latest statements from Kyiv and reports on the preparation of the negotiations, the likely agenda will be significantly broader than just a general discussion about the war.
What Will Most Likely Be Discussed
1. Strengthening Ukrainian Air Defense.
This is one of the most likely central points. Shortly before the meeting, Zelensky discussed with Raytheon representatives the joint production of interceptors and Patriot systems, and the Ukrainian side reported a political decision to grant licenses for Patriot production. Therefore, the discussion may concern additional systems, interceptor missiles, delivery timelines, and localization of production in Ukraine.
2. Joint Production of Drones and Other Weapons.
Washington is showing interest in Ukrainian combat technologies, especially long-range and naval drones. A discussion about joint ventures, investments by American companies, technology exchange, and the supply of Ukrainian systems for the US Army is possible. Some sources also cite cooperation on Patriots and drones as a sign of warming relations between Trump and Zelensky.
3. Format of Negotiations with Russia.
Zelensky has previously spoken about the need for a new trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia before autumn. The negotiations may discuss whether such a format is possible, what conditions Kyiv considers acceptable, and what role Trump is willing to play as a mediator.
4. Possible Cessation of Air Strikes.
Before the meeting, reports emerged about the idea of a limited "air truce" – a cessation of missile and drone strikes on the parties' territories. For now, this is just a concept under discussion, not an agreed-upon decision, but it could well become a separate topic of negotiation.
5. New Sanctions and Pressure on Moscow.
Kyiv is interested in tougher measures against Russian energy exports, banks, and countries that help Moscow circumvent restrictions. After the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, special attention may be paid to the sanctions package he promoted against buyers of Russian resources.
6. Situation on the Front and Long-Range Strikes.
Zelensky will likely present a fresh assessment of the battlefield situation and Russia's plans for the autumn. The Ukrainian side emphasizes that long-range operations and pressure on Russian military infrastructure should strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position.
7. Security Guarantees and Long-Term Support.
The discussion may not only be about immediate supplies but also about a model of support for Ukraine for years to come: financing the defense industry, intelligence sharing, military training, and US commitments after a possible ceasefire agreement.
The closed format of the meeting may indicate that the parties intend to discuss specific military capabilities, supply volumes, and sensitive diplomatic proposals.
