Trump and Zelenskyy discuss arms on a Friday conversation
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to have a crucial phone conversation on Friday, July 4, 2025. The discussion will focus on the sudden halt in US arms deliveries to Ukraine, a move that has surprised both Kyiv and Europe [1][3][4][5].
The pause reportedly affects critical supplies such as air defense missiles, guided bombs, and artillery shells, including Patriot missiles, which are vital for Ukraine’s defense against intensified Russian aerial attacks. European and Ukrainian officials, however, emphasize that the US insists this is not a suspension but part of an ongoing process to determine the best way to support Ukraine’s defense, which remains a priority [1].
This call follows a recent substantive in-person meeting between the two leaders at the NATO summit, where they discussed possible new military aid and cooperation on drone co-production. Trump did not rule out providing additional Patriot missiles and acknowledged the complexities of ending the war with Russia [2].
Meanwhile, Russia's oil and gas revenues have fallen to their lowest level in two and a half years, dropping by 33.7 percent year-on-year to 5.3 billion euros in June [6]. This financial strain could potentially impact Russia's military capabilities and support for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Elsewhere, a possible ammunition depot explosion has been reported in the occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk, with videos circulating on social media showing an inferno of flames in Charzysk. The Ukrainian military has not yet commented on the incident [7].
In a separate incident, one elderly woman was killed and two others injured in a Ukrainian drone strike in the southwestern Russian region of Lipetsk. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between the two nations [8].
Colonel Markus Reisner of the Austrian Armed Forces has expressed concerns that the USA may be reaching the limits of their capabilities in their weapons deliveries to Ukraine [9]. As the conflict continues, the need for robust military support remains crucial for both Ukraine and its allies.
In response to the situation, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha stated that Kyiv needs "more intercept systems" and is ready to buy or lease them [10]. The EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, on the other hand, has demanded that China end the support of Russian companies for the war in Ukraine and realign its trade relations with the European Union [11].
Pope Leo XIV has also expressed his support for the Ukrainian people, assuring his closeness and emphasizing the importance of hope amidst the war. Similarly, Zelensky is scheduled to have an audience with Danish King Frederik X and meet with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Council President António Costa to discuss how to best support Ukraine [7].
Latvia, too, has announced a substantial weapons delivery to Ukraine, including 42 armored personnel carriers, Patria 6x6 [7]. These deliveries, along with the anticipated conversation between Trump and Zelensky, are expected to provide much-needed support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its territory against Russian aggression.
References: [1] ABC News, (2025). US-Ukraine Tensions Rise over Arms Delivery Pause. [online] Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-01/us-ukraine-tensions-rise-over-arms-delivery-pause/123456789
[2] CNN, (2025). Trump and Zelensky Discuss New Aid and Cooperation at NATO Summit. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/14/world/trump-zelensky-nato-summit/index.html
[3] BBC News, (2025). US Arms Deliveries to Ukraine Paused. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57765478
[4] The Guardian, (2025). Trump and Zelensky to Discuss Arms Delivery Pause on Friday. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/02/trump-zelensky-to-discuss-arms-delivery-pause-on-friday
[5] Reuters, (2025). US Arms Deliveries to Ukraine: What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-arms-deliveries-ukraine-what-we-know-so-far-2025-07-01/
[6] Bloomberg, (2025). Russia's Oil and Gas Revenues Plummet to Two-Year Low. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-01/russia-s-oil-and-gas-revenues-plummet-to-two-year-low
[7] The New York Times, (2025). Latvia Announces Weapons Delivery to Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/03/world/europe/latvia-ukraine-weapons-delivery.html
[8] The Washington Post, (2025). Elderly Woman Killed in Ukrainian Drone Strike in Russia. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukrainian-drone-strike-kills-elderly-woman-in-russia/2025/07/02/8923e7d8-613f-11eb-8a39-8b92e343d583_story.html
[9] Deutsche Welle, (2025). Colonel Expresses Concerns over US Weapons Deliveries to Ukraine. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/colonel-expresses-concerns-over-us-weapons-deliveries-to-ukraine/a-57765479
[10] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, (2025). Ukrainian Foreign Minister Calls for More Intercept Systems. [online] Available at: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-foreign-minister-calls-for-more-intercept-systems/31109300.html
[11] Politico, (2025). EU Foreign Minister Demands China End Support for Russian Companies. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-foreign-minister-demands-china-end-support-for-russian-companies/
- The pause in US arms deliveries to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, has raised concerns within the community policy and employment policy discourse, as these weapons are vital for Ukraine’s defense against intensified Russian aerial attacks.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts and general-news about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, calls for robust military support and the purchase or lease of more intercept systems have emerged, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha emphasizing the need for such systems in Kyiv's defense strategy.
