Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington today for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, as the federal government shutdown stretches into another week and diplomatic maneuvering intensifies over the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky is expected to push for more long-range U.S. weapons, including advanced air defense systems and missiles capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. His visit comes one day after he met with U.S. defense industry leaders to discuss additional air defense supplies, and amid fresh Russian drone and missile attacks on his hometown of Kryvyi Rih.
“Every decision that can strengthen Ukraine brings the end of the war closer,” Zelensky posted on X ahead of his meeting. He said Ukraine’s security would be guaranteed if all Washington agreements were fully implemented, stressing the importance of preventing Russia from turning Eastern Europe into “an island of peril and torment for human life.”
The talks also take place as Trump prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary within two weeks, following a lengthy phone conversation between the two leaders. The planned summit has raised eyebrows in Washington and European capitals, given the ongoing war and U.S. pressure on allies to maintain sanctions on Moscow.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government shutdown has entered its third week, after senators failed for the 10th time to advance the GOP’s funding bill. With no resolution in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue into next week, straining federal services and adding political pressure on the Trump administration.
Zelensky’s visit underscores the strategic balancing act facing Washington: supporting Ukraine’s defense while managing domestic gridlock and navigating delicate diplomacy with Moscow.