US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will provide Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine in order to bolster its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump made the announcement while speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington D.C., but did not disclose the specific number of systems that will be provided.
Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the lack of progress towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. This announcement comes less than two weeks after the Pentagon announced pauses in some arms shipments to Kyiv due to dwindling US stockpiles.
During the US election campaign, Trump had pledged to end the war in Ukraine, but his attempts to persuade Putin to end the conflict or agree to a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.
Trump mentioned that the costs of the Patriot systems will be reimbursed by NATO and the European Union. He also stated that the US will not be paying for the equipment but it will be a business transaction.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently announced that Germany is prepared to purchase Patriot missile systems for Ukraine. The Patriot system is considered one of the world’s most advanced air-defense systems, capable of intercepting aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/trump-sending-patriot-missiles-to-ukraine-eu-to-cover-costs/a-73265133?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
