WASHINGTON DC – US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States would be providing Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, a significant policy shift for his administration which had previously paused new weapons shipments since the beginning of his second term.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump confirmed the move, stating: “We’re not paying anything for them. But we will get them Patriots, which they desperately need.”
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He added, “I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some because they do need protection, but the European Union is paying for it.”
While declining to specify the exact number of Patriot systems to be dispatched, Trump highlighted their critical importance, reiterating, Ukraine would “pay us 100 percent for them.”
The president directly linked the decision to ongoing hostilities led by Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin, noting: “Because Putin really surprised a lot of people... He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening, but there’s a little bit of a problem there. I don’t like it.”
Asked if his Russia announcement on Monday was about sanctions, Trump said: “We’re going to see what we will see tomorrow.” The decision marks a significant change in approach for Trump, who had been focused on coaxing Putin to the negotiating table.
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Trump also confirmed an upcoming meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
A Senior Administration Official told Kyiv Post earlier on Sunday that the meeting is expected to further address the coordination of aid to Ukraine and broader regional security.
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