U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that his administration will send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, while refusing to disclose how many. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said the delivery will go ahead — but clarified that Ukraine will be paying for the weapons in full.
“We’re not paying anything for them. But we will get them Patriots, which they desperately need,” Trump said, reiterating his position that Ukraine must shoulder the financial burden of any military aid.
A Shift From Earlier Stance
The announcement marks a notable shift for Trump, who had previously resisted sending further weapons or aid to Kyiv, insisting that doing so would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and undermine peace talks.
Until now, Ukraine had only been receiving U.S. weapons using funds authorized during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump has consistently refused to seek new congressional funding, arguing it would prolong the conflict.
Despite his earlier opposition, Trump now says the U.S. will continue supplying “sophisticated weapons” — but on a payment basis. “Ukraine will pay us 100% for them,” he said.
Growing Frustration with Putin
Trump’s latest remarks reflect a shift in tone toward Russia as well, as he grows increasingly frustrated with Putin’s refusal to deescalate. While Trump once blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for stalling peace efforts — even mocking him as a “modestly successful comedian” and “dictator” earlier this year — he’s now voicing displeasure with the Kremlin’s relentless bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
In a recent interview, Trump said Putin had “fooled a lot of people” and lamented ongoing Russian missile strikes, especially after his own direct conversations with the Russian leader.
Pentagon Reverses Pause on Shipments
Trump’s comments come after the Pentagon briefly paused some arms shipments to Ukraine, raising fears that Washington was retreating from its support. His decision to green-light additional missile deliveries appears to reverse that move.
Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, expressed cautious optimism following a meeting with U.S. and European leaders in Rome, hopeful that Trump would approve new military support — especially the air defense systems Ukraine says it urgently needs to protect civilians from aerial attacks.
The newly pledged Patriot batteries, although still without a confirmed quantity or delivery timeline, are expected to bolster Ukraine’s defense against continued Russian airstrikes.
