President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States will supply Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression, marking a shift in his administration’s approach to the conflict.
“We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,” Trump told reporters, though he stopped short of confirming the quantity to be delivered.
The pledge comes just two weeks after the White House indicated a pause in certain arms shipments to Kyiv. Trump clarified that while a specific number hasn’t been decided, the decision to move forward was clear. “I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some because they do need protection,” he said.
This delivery is expected to form part of a broader arrangement involving NATO. Trump revealed that under the new terms, the alliance would cover the cost of some weapons provided to Ukraine.
“We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military and they’re going to pay us 100 percent for them,” he stated.
Trump’s remarks also reflected a noticeable cooling in his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite previously claiming he could negotiate peace, the U.S. leader expressed disappointment over the Russian leader’s continued military escalation.
“Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump remarked.
The President had initially expressed confidence in his ability to broker a ceasefire upon returning to office in January.
However, the ongoing missile attacks and lack of progress toward peace appear to have changed his stance. “I was hopeful. Now I’m disappointed,” he said, signaling a tougher posture.
Adding to the diplomatic flurry, U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg is set to arrive in Ukraine on Monday for high-level discussions. Kellogg’s visit is expected to focus on strategic cooperation and the logistics of the defense aid package.
Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also on Monday, a meeting during which he promised to make a “major statement… on Russia,” potentially outlining further policy shifts or military support.
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