Nato summit: Trump says US could let Ukraine make Patriot missiles after meeting with Zelenskyy – Europe live

Let’s see how much of that translates into actual actions, but on the face of it – although there is an obvious problem with looking at that with Trump – this was a very positive briefing for Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The US president repeatedly praised Zelenskyy – even laughing at one point at how fair the pair has come since that infamous Oval Office meeting last year (14:58) – and talked about his hopes of developing postwar Ukraine and tapping into its “tremendous potential.”

Sure, there were still some troubling bits when he appeared to disregard the pretty fundamental difference between an aggressor and a victim with his “kids fighting in a park” metaphor (15:03), and when he talked about his personal relationship with Putin.

But what will matter for Ukraine more is his apparent backing for Kyiv’s strikes inside Russia (15:06), a very strong suggestion that Ukraine will get a licensing deal to produce “defensive” Patriot missiles (15:09), and a clear and repeated pledge to push for a peace deal to “save lives” (15:13) and offer strong security guarantees to hold up any future deal (15:19).

There was also a hint of genuine admiration for Ukraine’s incredible process on drone production, with Trump suggesting that the US “would buy their drones” (15:25) – something that would have been unthinkable even a year ago.

Interestingly, Trump then talks about Iran and that they could mine the strait of Hormuz, and acknowledges that Nato will help with that with minesweepers – although he repeats his usual line that “we do not need them now.”

He ends by repeating his comments on Iranian leadership characterising them as “sick people,” and that ends his briefing.

Trump also goes back to Iran, and says the US could “knock out more boats” tonight.

He says the US could even take out electricity, water plans, but do not want to do that.

But he continues to say how frustrated he is with Iran’s behaviour.

He then goes into this amusing explanation:

“They wanted to go to the funeral of Khomeini. And I said, give it to him. And they sent you two missiles. I mean, it was a crazy thing. Now, we did kill him. Yes. I guess you have to look at it that way. But the funeral took place and they wanted to have a, a period of time. And they also asked that we not kill them. And we said, we’re not going to kill you. They were worried we would kill them during the funeral if you can believ it. But what a crazy [thing]. Did you ever think I’d be doing this for a living?”

He warns the US “may take over Kharg Island” at some point, and adds tonight’s attack on Iran “may be a big attack.”

He also says “we may put blockade back,” only for Iran. “Anybody else can have whatever they want.”

Separately, Rutte’s press conference is also under way, and you can watch it below.

I will bring you the key lines after Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy.

Trump gets asked if he would be prepared to close the skies over Ukraine as part of security guarantees.

“If it’s necessary, yeah,” he says.

Asked about Ukraine’s experience with drones, Trump acknowledges their expertise in this area and says the US would be prepared to buy Ukrainian drones.

“We would buy their drones. We make drones, we make geat drones, but they have an ability to make a lot of them, which is amazing that in a war situation they make them in basements, wherever the hell you have a little shelter or even if you don’t have a shelter.”

He says Ukraine is particularly well positioned on arms production, as they have the talent required.

“That’s what I say with the Patriots. They would be able to do it; most countries would not be able to do it.”

Zelenskyy says that US security guarantees are really important.

But he also says that other things, like the licensing deal for Patriot missiles, also mean a lot, as this is “the best” system available.

Trump gets asked if he is prepared to go to Ukraine.

He says yes, but “I would rather do it when the war is over.”

He jokes that the US Secret Service “would not be thrilled” by that.

But repeats that he is prepared to go to Ukraine at the right time, as he praises Kyiv as a “beautiful city.”

Trump says he will work with Russia on security guarantees to make sure Ukraine does not get attacked ever again.

“Russia respects us a lot, and we are going to work on some kind of a security deal. If we can make the right deal, will help Europe … and work on some kind of a security package.”

He says he doesn’t think Russia would then attack Ukraine again.

He also repeats, again, that Ukraine has “tremendous potential.”

Trump says Zelenskyy has “lots of support” from Nato leaders.

He says Putin wanted to host a meeting to end the war in Moscow, but he insisted that’s not an option.

“But he will meet and Zelensky is going to meet and something’s going to happen. It’s going to be positive. And I think I hope it’s going to happen soon,” he says.

Zelenskyy jokes that it’s difficult for him to go to Moscow, because there are so many Ukrainian drones in the air there.

Trump tells reporters he wants their question for Putin, and says he will ask him as they plan to hold a call later today.

They suggest “when will he end this war?”

“I don’t think I ever asked him that question,” he jokes.

But he adds that Putin “wants to end it soon,” and “as soon as he can.”

“I talk to him a lot. A little bit less (now), but the relationship is very good,” he says.

Trump says he is “tough of Russia, a lot tougher than I was supposed to be.”

Zelenskyy comes in to say he is not sure what are Putin’s conditions for agreeing a peace deal, and says they are “changing” as the Ukrainian army gets stronger.

He says Ukraine wants to “move this war to the sky from the battlefield,” and that helps it control the battlefield.