Ukraine's Zelenskiy says his conversation with Trump, Macron 'could change a great deal'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late Wednesday that he held phone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in what he described as a “coordinating conversation” following the conclusion of the G7 summit in Evian.

Zelenskiy said the talks were significant and could lead to meaningful developments. “This was an important coordinating conversation which could change a great deal,” he wrote on Telegram.

He expressed gratitude to Trump for what he described as attention to Ukraine’s situation and willingness to support efforts toward peace. He also thanked Macron for hosting the summit and for sustained cooperation among allied nations.

In a separate message, Zelenskiy said he also spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels to discuss the outcomes of the Evian summit. He emphasized discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and securing U.S. licenses to produce air defense systems.

Zelenskiy added that he appreciated Rutte’s continued support and said he aims to ensure that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara will be “effective for the defense of Ukraine.”

He also highlighted the importance of an upcoming meeting of the Ramstein group, a coalition of more than 50 countries providing military and financial assistance to Ukraine. EU leaders are also expected to convene on Thursday to continue discussions on support measures.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhail Fedorov said Wednesday that Kyiv is seeking an additional $20 billion in military funding from its allies. A Ukrainian defense source previously said the request is expected to be raised during the Ramstein group meeting.

-Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Nia Williams and Sanjeev Miglani/Reuters