US President Donald Trump has announced plans to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in his administration’s approach to the ongoing war with Russia.
This decision reflects growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace negotiations.
The move comes as Trump prepares to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss further support for Kyiv.
On Sunday, Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need.”
He expressed disappointment with Putin’s tactics, noting the Russian leader’s pattern of offering conciliatory rhetoric while continuing aggressive military actions.
Although Trump did not specify the number of Patriot batteries to be sent, he emphasized Ukraine’s need for protection against Russian airstrikes.
This announcement follows his recent decision to approve weapons sales to NATO allies for transfer to Kyiv, indicating a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, to discuss enhancing Ukraine’s air defenses and expanding domestic weapons production.
Zelensky also proposed First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister, signaling a reshuffle to strengthen Ukraine’s economic and defense strategies.
Svyrydenko’s appointment, pending parliamentary approval, aims to boost Ukraine’s economic resilience amid the war’s devastating impact.
These talks underscore Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced weaponry and economic support to counter Russian advances, which currently occupy about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Trump’s pivot to supplying Patriot systems aligns with European efforts, as Germany has offered to fund additional air defense systems for Ukraine.
Berlin is considering sending Patriots from its own stocks while purchasing replacements from the US, a German official noted.
The US president’s upcoming discussions with Rutte and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will likely focus on coordinating NATO’s response to Russia’s ongoing aggression.
As Trump prepares to make a “major statement” on Russia, the possibility of including offensive weapons in the aid package signals a tougher stance against Moscow’s refusal to accept