U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine during a press briefing at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday, framing the decision as a response to Russia's intensified military actions. "Putin talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening," Trump stated, emphasizing Ukraine's urgent need for enhanced air defenses amid daily missile and drone attacks.
The announcement follows repeated requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for advanced military equipment to counter Russian strikes. While Trump did not specify the number of Patriot systems to be deployed, he asserted that the European Union would fully reimburse the U.S. for the cost. "They are going to pay us 100 percent for that," he said, framing the arrangement as fiscally favorable for American interests.
Trump is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte later this week to discuss further support for Ukraine. The move signals continued U.S. engagement in the conflict despite Trump's historically skeptical stance on foreign military aid. Analysts suggest the Patriots could significantly bolster Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian missiles targeting critical infrastructure.
