US - Ukraine Cooperation

On July 4th, a crucial phone call occurred between the representatives of Ukraine and the U.S concentrating on the need of air defense measures support from the U.S against the Russian Government. Days before this call, over 80 drones and missiles were launched by Russia in a coordinated pre-dawn attack targeting Kjiv and central Ukraine, where over 49 civilians were killed, many were injured and civilian infrastructures like hospital and residents towers were hit.  According Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this call was the “most productive” call on the topic yet, a relative surprise considering President Trump previous meetings Zelenskyy which was publicly broadcast by the white house and receive intense backlash due to the lack of cooperation and contrasting point of views between American representatives (Trump and Vice-President J.D Vance) with Zelenskyy himself. 

Trump’s renewed alliance alignment marks a significant - but calculated - pivot in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Many political scientists frame Trump’s action as a result of the global negative response to Putin's recent attack that have sparked Western leaders, specifically from the European Front like Macron, Steamer and Maloni that have now firmly aligned in supporting Ukraine. The U.S has already previously partaken in supporting the Ukrainian government by aiding U.S.-made Patriot missile systems and broadening co-production of air-defense equipment. However, Trump went back on this support when announcing US weapon pause, delaying the delivery of Patriots to Ukraine, however many specialists expect this decision to be revoked after the call where Zelenskyy reinforced the importance of this equipment for the Ukranians right now.

Next week European Leaders will come back to this issue on July 10 where French president Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair a summit in London. They are planning to bring Zelenskyy (via video), Chancellor Merz of Germany, Italy’s Meloni, and other Europe-based partners to plan a blueprint for military and defense aid. Discussion will include the continuation of the Patriot missiles, a proposed post-ceasefire, and structured air-defense collaboration.

As the war reaches its now 40th month, the transatlantic push including U.S and Europe is becoming a key test for thow the West is committed in supporting Ukraine’s independence. 

By Arthur Kneip Rezende Auton