In a major announcement amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that the United States will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine—while emphasizing that the European Union will cover the full cost of the military equipment.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deceptive diplomacy, citing Russia’s recent drone and missile attacks on Kyiv. He confirmed that high-level talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are scheduled to further coordinate support for Ukraine.
“We’re going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment. They’re going to pay us 100 per cent for it… That’s the way it should’ve been a long time ago,” Trump said.
He added that while the exact number of Patriot systems hasn’t been finalized, they will be supplied to Ukraine as part of a deal where “the European Union is paying for it. We’re not paying anything.” He described the arrangement as both a strategic necessity and a business opportunity for the US.
“Putin talks nicely and then bombs everybody in the evening. There’s a little bit of a problem there, and I don’t like it,” Trump remarked, criticizing Moscow’s recent wave of strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
Earlier, Trump proposed that the US supply weapons to NATO allies, who could then transfer them to Ukraine more efficiently. This indirect aid method was echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said it allowed faster delivery from European stockpiles rather than US-based factories.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed upcoming high-level military discussions with the US. He welcomed the restoration of weapons shipments and announced that General Keith Kellogg, Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, would soon visit Kyiv for further talks.
“We’ve received strong political signals from the United States and Europe. Military aid shipments have resumed, and our armed forces will continue working closely with the American side,” Zelenskyy stated.
Trump’s comments also follow reports that his administration had temporarily paused certain arms transfers to Ukraine as part of a broader review of US foreign military assistance. The decision to resume support came shortly after Russia launched over 500 drones and 11 missiles at Kyiv on July 4, causing fatalities, injuries, and widespread damage across the capital.
The renewed US commitment, with EU financial backing, marks a significant development in Ukraine’s defence efforts as the conflict with Russia intensifies and global diplomatic coordination gains momentum.
