Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United State will supply air defense systems to Ukraine, including the much-demanded Patriot missile batteries, in a strategic move involving NATO.
Trump to send air defense to Ukraine, the weapons will be routed through NATO, which will finance and distribute the Patriot systems as part of a new military aid deal amid escalating Russian attacks.
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Patriot Systems to Be Delivered Through NATO
Speaking with NBC News, Trump revealed, ” We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that.” He emphasized that NATO will cover the cost of the weapons, which are urgently needed by Ukraine amid relentless drone and missile strikes by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed having a positive dialogue with Trump, during which he requested 10 Patriot systems to boost Ukraine’s air defense.
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European Support Builds Around Ukraine
While speaking in Rome, Zelensky states that:
- Germany has agreed to finance 2 Patriot units.
- Norway will pay for 1 unit.
- Other European allies are also preparing contributions.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged countries such as Germany and Spain to contribute from their existing Patriot stockpiles for faster deployment to Ukraine.
Trump’s Putin Warning and Monday Announcement
Trump, who recently held a phone call with Vladimir Putin, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks, stating, “I’m not happy with how things are moving.”
He also announced he will make a “major statement” on Russia this Monday, though details remain unknown.
Ukraine Faces Record Drone Attacks
- On Tuesday, Ukraine was hit by record 728 drones, with President Zelensky warning that Russia may escalate that number to 1,000.
- June recorded the highest monthly civilian casualties in 3 years, with 232 deaths and over 1,300 injuries, per UN reports.
Ukraine’s appeal for more Patriot system is seen as a life-saving necessity, as US defense shipments were recently paused, creating fears of depleting air defense resources.
