Thrilled Zelensky praises Trump for handing Ukraine multi-billion pound war chest

Volodymyr Zelenksy has praised Donald Trump for handing Ukraine a multi-billion pound war chest of lethal weapons to fight off Russia.

A range of weapons including 17 powerful Patriot missiles will be soon be sent to Kyiv via the US's European allies - while on Monday, Trump warned Putin he has just 50 days to settle a peace deal or be hit by tariffs of up to 100%. It's one of the first signs thatTrump - who appeared to cosy up to Putin after returning to the White House - may finally be moving his sympathies in favour of Kyiv, and is ready to give Ukraine some of the vital weapons it needs to defend itself. Zelensky last night said he'd had a "very good conversation" with Trump and thanked him for his "willingness to support Ukraine". Here's what we know about what Trump has promised Ukraine:

What's the thinking behind the plan?

The new plan is designed to let the US to funnel more firepower to Ukraine to combat invading Russian forces while easing the financial burden on Washington, something which Trump has complained about on many occasions.

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Russian forces are currently in the middle of a major summer offensive, and are trying to force the Ukrainians out of some more marginally-held territory.

It is hoped that increased weapons shipments from NATO allies, combined with possible new penalties Trump has promised if a halt to the fighting isn't reached in 50 days, could push Russian President Vladimir Putin into peace talks that Trump has championed for months. All of his previous attempts have failed.

How is Trump sending the weapons to Ukraine?

The US plans to sell Patriot missile batteries - systems ideal for shielding territory against incoming missile attacks - and other weapons to European allies. These would then be transferred to Kyiv.

Sat next to NATO chief Mark Rutte in the White House yesterday, Trump said: "We're going to supply weapons to NATO at a large amount."

Rutte said Britain, Germany, Finland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are among the buyers who will help supply Ukraine.

What has Zelensky said?

The Ukrainian president has not yet spoken about the details of the plan - but it's clear his relationship with Trump has vastly improved since being berated in the infamous Oval Office meeting earlier this year.

Zelensky wrote last night on X (formerly Twitter): "I spoke with POTUS. It was a very good conversation. Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace. President Trump shared details about his meeting with the Secretary General of NATO.

"It’s important that we have such a good relationship, and that the Alliance countries are working to increase defence spending.

"We discussed the necessary means and solutions with the President to provide better protection for people from Russian attacks and to strengthen our positions.

"We are ready to work as productively as possible to achieve peace. We agreed to catch up more often by phone and coordinate our steps in the future as well. Thank you, Mr. President! Thank you, America!