Sources: Trump wants to help Ukraine with air defense

On July 4th, a Ukrainian official and people familiar with the matter said that Trump told Ukrainian President Zelensky on the phone on Friday that the United States wanted to help Ukraine with its air defense due to the escalating Russian attacks. Earlier this week, the Pentagon suspended the delivery of weapons to the Ukrainian army, including air defense interception equipment and communications equipment. The decision came as a surprise to Ukraine and many U.S. government officials. The call between Trump and Zelensky lasted about 40 minutes and mainly discussed Ukraine's air defense needs, two sources said. Trump learned of the recent Russian escalation, including airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and front lines, one source said. Trump said he wanted to help with air defense and would check if anything was interrupted. Mr. Zelensky wrote on social media that he had spoken with Mr. Trump about "opportunities for air defense." On Thursday, Mr. Trump spoke with President Vladimir Putin of Russia about Ukraine, but later emphasized that no progress had been made. Mr. Putin told Mr. Trump that Russia would not give up its goals in Ukraine, and Mr. Trump said he was very disappointed by the conversation with Mr. Putin.