President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, but emphasized the cost will be reimbursed by the European Union. “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. “Putin really surprised a lot of people… I don’t like it.”
Trump did not confirm how many systems would be sent, but reaffirmed that the U.S. would not cover the cost. The announcement marks a significant policy development, as Patriot missile shipments to Ukraine had been paused due to a Pentagon stockpile review, then resumed last week by Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the U.S. to allow arms sales, saying Kyiv is prepared to pay and European nations can assist. “Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers,” Zelenskyy said after a June 25 meeting with Trump.
Trump’s pledge comes amid growing frustration with Vladimir Putin, with the president accusing him of being two-faced in recent attacks on civilians.
The deal is expected to be discussed further in upcoming White House meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Sources:
USA Today – MBFC Rating
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
