Zelenskyy and Trump Hold Talks After Paris Summit, Discuss Economic Pressure on Russia and Air Defense for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he held an extended phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump following the Paris meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, where 26 countries pledged post-ceasefire troop deployments to support Ukraine. 

European leaders reportedly participated in the call, marking it as a multi-party consultation on the next steps toward peace and deterrence.

Image Source: BFMTV

In a public statement, Zelenskyy described the call as “long and very detailed,” with discussions focused on the conditions required to bring the ongoing war to an end, particularly by leveraging economic pressure against Russia. 

“We talked about how to push the situation toward real peace. The most important element is pressure — strong economic measures to deprive Russia’s war machine of money and resources,” Zelenskyy stated.

Zelenskyy Proposes U.S.-Backed Format to Shield Ukraine’s Skies

A significant portion of the call reportedly focused on Ukraine’s air defense needs, with Zelenskyy urging stronger American support to prevent further civilian casualties from Russian missile and drone strikes.

“Until peace comes, Ukrainians must not be at the mercy of constant Russian attacks. Russian missiles and drones must not take lives,” Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine has proposed a dedicated format for airspace protection, which is now under consideration by U.S. officials. Details of the proposed format were not disclosed, but Kyiv has repeatedly called for a multilateral air shield initiative, modeled on NATO-style early warning and interception systems.

Trump Signals Support, Further Contacts Agreed

While the White House has not issued a detailed readout, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his continued support of the Ukrainian people and confirmed that further bilateral discussions are planned.

A long and very detailed conversation with President Trump @POTUS. We spoke after today’s meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris. European leaders also participated on the call.

First and foremost, we talked about how to push the situation toward real peace. We… pic.twitter.com/J1qoYRho28

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 4, 2025

“I thank President Trump for supporting our people. We agreed on further contacts,” Zelenskyy said in his statement.

The conversation came just hours after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries had committed to sending troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire, in what he called a “strategic peace guarantee,” not a war deployment. 

Trump, who participated in the Paris talks remotely, has so far refrained from commenting publicly on the specifics of the coalition’s plans.

Strategic Timing Amid Global Realignments

The Zelenskyy–Trump call marks a critical moment in Ukraine’s diplomacy, as Kyiv seeks to anchor U.S. involvement in post-war reconstruction and defense planning. 

With the Coalition of the Willing now entering the planning phase for troop deployments and security guarantees, Kyiv is intensifying its push for guaranteed air defense infrastructure to be in place before any ceasefire is implemented.

The Coalition of the Willing. Meeting is now underway.

We are giving real substance to long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and ensuring support for our Ukrainian Defense Forces already now.

I thank everyone for their engagement and support. pic.twitter.com/nVv5QMdCkT

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 4, 2025

The call also follows Russia’s statements at the UN General Assembly, where its Permanent Representative stated that recognition of new territorial realities -- including Crimea and the annexed eastern regions -- is a precondition for any durable peace.