Zelensky Seeks Patriots, Offers Energy Strike Truce

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he asked U.S. President Donald Trump for additional Patriot air-defense systems and other military equipment ahead of winter, but had not received a firm commitment on more interceptors. Zelensky also said Ukraine would halt attacks on energy infrastructure if Russia agreed to reciprocal restraint, while warning that artificial intelligence could begin making battlefield decisions as early as next year. Zelensky discussed the requests with Trump in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. He said Ukraine needed Patriot systems and other unspecified technology to strengthen its defenses against Russian attacks. After the meeting, Zelensky described the U.S. response as positive but said he had not received a concrete answer on additional interceptors. The energy proposal would require both sides to stop strikes on energy infrastructure. Zelensky said Kyiv was ready to participate if Moscow agreed, and expected Trump to pursue an agreement. The reports do not establish that Russia accepted the proposal or that the United States secured a commitment from either side.