US Will Send Patriot Missiles To Ukraine: Trump Takes U-Turn Over Arm Deliveries To Kyiv

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will provide additional Patriot air-defence systems to Ukraine.

Kyiv has expressed a need for these to defend against Russian airstrikes. "We're not paying anything for them," Trump stated on his return to the White House. "But we will get them Patriots, which they desperately need."

Earlier, Trump had refrained from authorising new arms shipments to Ukraine during his second term. Instead, he aimed to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks, believing he could achieve a ceasefire where former President Joe Biden had not succeeded.

US-Ukraine Relations and Military Aid

Ukraine had been receiving US weapons funded by resources left from Biden's administration. Trump had resisted seeking additional funds, arguing it might harden Putin's resolve and reduce chances of ending the conflict. However, on Sunday, Trump confirmed that Ukraine would "pay us 100% for them" regarding the sophisticated weapons being supplied.

During his campaign and early presidency, Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an obstacle to peace. He lamented the military and financial support Ukraine received from the US. In February, he described Zelenskyy as a "modestly successful comedian" and a "dictator."

Shifting Dynamics with Russia

Trump's recent frustration with Putin has grown as Russia intensified aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities while ignoring ceasefire calls. He previously announced more defensive weapons for Ukraine, reversing a Pentagon decision that paused some shipments. This pause had raised concerns about US commitment to Ukraine amid Russia's gradual advances.

NATO chief Mark Rutte is set to meet with Trump on Monday. Last week, Trump hinted at an announcement concerning Russia but did not confirm if it involved new sanctions under Congressional consideration. The president expressed disappointment with Putin, stating: "He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening."

Positive Developments for Ukraine

Zelenskyy reported optimism after meeting US and European allies in Rome, anticipating increased military aid from Trump, including air defence systems. This coalition meeting occurred shortly after another deadly Russian drone-and-missile attack on Kyiv.

The Ukrainian leader highlighted a "positive dialogue" with Trump about delivering more Patriots. "It's crucial that — following our constructive and very positive conversations with President Trump — we have all necessary political signals on the resumption of aid shipments," Zelenskyy said in Rome.

The discussions are now focused at staff level to ensure timely delivery of these systems to Ukraine.