Trump Praises Zelenskyy, Keeps Military Option Against Iran Open Ahead of Bilateral Talks

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 8, 2026

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-6a4cf08a-86a4-83ee-aee6-67ee69878ee2-13" data-turn-id-container="request-6a4cf08a-86a4-83ee-aee6-67ee69878ee2-13" data-tests="conversation-turn-60" data-turn="assistant">

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his leadership during the war with Russia while reaffirming that Washington’s primary objective in dealing with Iran is preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons rather than pursuing regime change. The remarks came on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, where global security issues dominated discussions.

Key Highlights

U.S. President Donald Trump described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “very effective” in the war with Russia.
Trump said the U.S. objective regarding Iran remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, not pursuing regime change.
The U.S. President indicated that further military action against Iran remains under consideration.
Zelenskyy is expected to discuss a bilateral drone cooperation agreement with Trump.
The Ukrainian leader is also seeking additional U.S. air defence systems to strengthen Ukraine’s protection against Russian attacks.

Speaking to reporters, Trump described Zelenskyy as “very effective” in handling the conflict in Ukraine and confirmed that the two leaders were expected to hold discussions on strengthening defence cooperation. Their meeting comes as Kyiv continues to seek sustained military assistance from Western allies amid ongoing Russian attacks.

Trump also signalled that the United States could launch another military strike against Iran if circumstances warrant, indicating that all options remain on the table following the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran. However, he stressed that the administration’s focus remains on ensuring that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons, distinguishing that objective from any policy aimed at regime change. His remarks follow renewed U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and his declaration that the interim accord with Iran was effectively over.

Ahead of the bilateral meeting, Zelenskyy said he intended to discuss a proposed drone agreement with Trump as Ukraine seeks to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing and unmanned aerial systems. Kyiv has increasingly relied on domestically produced drones while also pursuing partnerships with allies to strengthen its military capabilities.

The Ukrainian President is also expected to press the U.S. administration to prioritise additional air defence systems, including advanced missile defence capabilities, to help counter continuing Russian missile and drone attacks. Air defence support has remained one of Ukraine’s most urgent military requirements throughout the conflict.

The anticipated Trump-Zelenskyy talks are expected to focus on military assistance, defence industrial cooperation and broader security coordination between Washington and Kyiv. At the same time, Trump’s comments on Iran underscore the increasingly complex geopolitical environment, with the United States simultaneously managing crises in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The developments come as NATO leaders continue deliberations on regional security, defence spending and allied responses to evolving global threats, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East remaining at the forefront of the alliance’s agenda.