U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an offer from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to provide drone expertise to help the United States counter Iranian drones, according to Swedish media reports citing an NBC News interview. In the interview conducted on Saturday, Trump also criticized Zelenskyy, stating that it is easier to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with his Ukrainian counterpart.
According to reports from Aftonbladet and Expressen, Trump dismissed Ukraine's offer of drone assistance, which was reportedly made in exchange for continued U.S. support in Ukraine's war against Russia. "We don't need any help," Trump was quoted as saying, adding, "The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy."
We don't need any help
The U.S. president reportedly expressed frustration with Zelenskyy's approach to negotiations, saying, "Putin is willing to come to an agreement. Zelenskyy is much harder to come to an agreement with." This criticism came in response to questions about U.S. sanctions policy toward Russian oil.
Zelenskyy had previously indicated on social media platform X that Ukraine was prepared to share its expertise in countering Iranian Shahed drones, noting that several Middle Eastern countries had requested Ukrainian assistance. However, Trump's rejection of this offer reportedly prompted Iran to declare Ukraine a party to the conflict and therefore a legitimate target.
The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy
Both Swedish media outlets reported that Trump made these comments during an interview with NBC News, though the U.S. president did not directly address whether the United States had accepted any assistance from Ukraine.
Putin is willing to come to an agreement. Zelenskyy is much harder to come to an agreement with