Trump says Ukraine ‘desperately needs’ US Patriot missiles in fight against Russia
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States will send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, emphasizing that the country “desperately needs” advanced air defense as it continues to battle Russian forces.
Trump’s remarks come just ahead of a scheduled meeting in Washington with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The discussion is expected to focus on military support for Ukraine, following a new NATO agreement that allows U.S. arms to be funneled to Kyiv through allied nations.
“We’re going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment,” Trump told reporters. “They’re going to pay us 100 percent for it — that’s the way we want it. The European Union is footing the bill. We’re not paying, but we will send them Patriots. They need protection, and this will be good news for us.”
‘Putin Talks Nice, Then Bombs Everybody’
Trump also had sharp words for Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as duplicitous and dangerous.
“Putin surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump said. “It’s a little bit of a problem. I don’t like it.”
Last week, Trump revealed that under the new NATO arrangement, the U.S. will send weapons to NATO, which will then deliver them to Ukraine. The key condition, he stressed, is that NATO covers the cost.
Reversing Course After Pentagon Delay
Trump’s announcement follows a brief freeze in U.S. military shipments to Ukraine, including critical Patriot interceptors and artillery shells, due to concerns over depleting American stockpiles. The pause, initiated by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, prompted concern among U.S. allies and within the Pentagon.
However, the decision was reversed within days.
“At President Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure they can protect themselves,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “This move aligns with our broader America First defense strategy, ensuring our global commitments are met without compromising U.S. readiness.”
What Comes Next
The shipment of Patriot systems, considered one of the most effective air defense platforms available, is expected to bolster Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian missile and drone attacks.
With the NATO summit underway and Trump reinforcing U.S. support — under specific financial terms — the administration signals that while military aid to Ukraine will continue, it will do so with a renewed emphasis on allied burden-sharing and tighter oversight.
