Donald Trump is apparently turning to war-ravaged Ukraine for help in his surprise attack on Iran.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Wednesday that the United States—along with other allied countries—is seeking Kyiv’s assistance in defending against Iranian drones, Reuters first reported.
“Partners are turning to us, to Ukraine, asking for help in defending against (Iranian-designed) Shahed drones, with expertise and real operational experience,” Zelensky said. “There have also been requests from the American side.”
Trump’s request could lead to a dire shortage of U.S. air defense missiles in Ukraine at a moment when Ukraine’s war effort has stretched into its fourth year. Two European diplomats told Reuters there is mounting concern that Ukraine will become increasingly vulnerable as Trump drags on his bombardment of Iran.
The appeal also comes as Trump has pressed Zelensky and Ukrainian officials to strike a swift peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin—with whom Trump has long maintained a famously hot-and-cold relationship.
Trump has frequently sparred with Zelensky, whom he called “P.T. Barnum” in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.
During their Oval Office meeting in February 2025, Trump made fun of the Ukrainian leader’s clothing, saying upon their greeting, “Ooh, you’re all dressed up—He’s all dressed up today!“
Vice President JD Vance also berated Zelensky for not being grateful enough to Trump, who had called the Ukrainian president a “dictator” the week before.
Just last month, British intelligence officials reportedly shared intercepted calls and messages with their U.S. counterparts in which senior Kremlin figures mocked Trump’s apparent willingness to take Putin at his word over the invasion of Ukraine.
“We have continually shown them intelligence that shows the Russians are lying,” a senior U.K. security official told The Spectator in February. “The Russians are privately mocking Trump over his naivety about Putin’s intentions. Putin doesn’t want to end the war.”
Trump, however, has a long history of giving Putin what he wants. The president rolled out the red carpet for his Russian counterpart just months ago for a much-hyped summit in Alaska that ultimately fizzled.
A photograph of the 79-year-old president walking side-by-side with his Russian counterpart now hangs prominently in the Palm Room connecting the West Wing to the Executive Residence.
On the campaign trail more than a year ago, the MAGA leader pledged he would secure a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office. Instead, his focus has shifted to the Middle East—where even Trump has admitted he doesn’t know how long the conflict he launched will last.
At the time of publication, at least six U.S. troops have been killed in the fighting: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.
The Daily Beast has reached out to the Department of Defense and the White House for comment.
