Trump Flips Script: New Sanctions and Patriot Talks After “Positive” Zelenskyy Oval Office Meet

Zelenskyy reported a “positive” outcome from his Oval Office talks with Trump, signaling a potential shift in Washington’s stance on the war [206298]. The discussions focused on securing renewed American support for Kyiv’s defense, including military and financial aid, with both sides describing the dialogue as constructive [206298]. No formal agreements were announced, but the meeting marked a notable change in tone from Trump, who had previously criticized U.S. involvement in Ukraine [206298].

On the same day, the U.S. Senate took its first vote on a major bill to punish countries that buy Russian oil and gas, passing 86-12 [206017]. Zelenskyy watched from the Senate gallery and waved in support [206017]. The bill targets the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas—led by China and India—and would allow the president to impose tariffs on those nations [206017]. It also targets Russian banks, energy projects, and oil tankers used to evade existing sanctions [206017].

Separately, sources familiar with the plan said the U.S. is preparing to announce a new package of sanctions against Russia, marking the latest sign of warming relations between Washington and Kyiv [206297]. The measures are expected to target key sectors of the Russian economy, though specific details have not been released [206297].

Zelenskyy also revealed that his talks with Trump included the possibility of manufacturing Patriot missile systems inside Ukraine [205912]. The Patriot system, a sophisticated surface-to-air missile battery currently built exclusively in the United States and allied nations, would aim to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses against Russian strikes [205912]. Zelenskyy did not provide details on the timeline or feasibility of the plan [205912].