Kathmandu: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a high-level diplomatic meeting with US President Donald Trump in The Hague, focusing on defense cooperation, the ongoing conflict with Russia, and regional security developments. Zelensky described the encounter as a "positive and good meeting" and congratulated Trump on the United States' recent strike on Iran, which targeted key facilities in Tehran’s nuclear and drone infrastructure.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky stated, “It is important that US actions have weakened not only their (Iranian) nuclear program but also their drone production capabilities.” The strike reportedly destroyed three key weapons facilities in Iran.

A major focus of the meeting was Ukraine’s urgent need to bolster its air defense systems in response to ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s active pursuit of US-made defense systems to protect its civilian population, cities, and infrastructure. He also noted plans to push for greater cooperation from European allies on this front.

The two leaders explored the idea of co-producing drones in Ukraine with US support. Zelensky argued this would not only strengthen Ukraine’s domestic defense industry but also help reinforce the broader Western security supply chain.

The Ukrainian president also updated Trump on recent talks held in Istanbul, where humanitarian issues such as the exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of soldiers' bodies were discussed. Zelensky confirmed that Russia had returned some Ukrainian soldiers' bodies, which were currently undergoing forensic examination in Kyiv.

On the battlefield, Zelensky rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of progress. “Putin is definitely not winning,” he stated, providing Trump with detailed accounts of the current military situation.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump for his time and words of support, reaffirming continued cooperation amid the ongoing war. “We will continue to cooperate, taking into account the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russia launched missile strikes in southeastern Ukraine on Tuesday, killing 17 and injuring over 200. Moscow also reported intercepting dozens of Ukrainian drones and claimed control of the village of Dylyvka in Donetsk.

In a broader context, NATO member countries have pledged to increase military investment to five percent of GDP in defense-related sectors by 2035, a move aimed at strengthening long-term security in the face of evolving global threats.