On Sunday, July 13, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would supply Ukraine with Patriot missile defense systems. This marks a significant shift in his administration's policy, which had suspended new weapon deliveries since the beginning of his second term.
Speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base, Trump confirmed the decision, stating: «We are not paying anything for them. But we will provide them with the Patriots they desperately need».
He added: «I haven’t determined the exact number yet, but they will receive them because they need protection, and the European Union will pay for it».
Refusing to specify the exact number of Patriot systems to be sent, Trump emphasized their critical importance while reiterating that Ukraine «will pay us 100 percent for them».
The President directly linked this decision to the ongoing military aggression by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, noting: «Because Putin has really surprised a lot of people... He says nice words, then bombs everyone at night, but there’s a little problem. I don’t like that».
When asked about his anticipated announcement regarding sanctions on Russia, Trump replied: «We’ll see what happens tomorrow». The decision to provide Patriot systems signifies a major change in Trump's approach, which had focused on persuading Putin to come to the negotiating table.
Trump also confirmed a forthcoming meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
A senior administration official informed the Kyiv Post earlier on Sunday that the meeting is expected to continue discussions on coordinating assistance to Ukraine and broader regional security issues.
