The United States will now authorize the delivery of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, President Donald Trump announced Sunday. Justifying the policy shift, Trump stated the systems are “urgently needed”. The decision marks a reversal, as the President had halted weapons shipments to Ukraine just two weeks prior.
Specific details regarding the number of Patriot systems destined for Ukraine were not immediately disclosed. Sources suggest the systems will initially be sold to the European Union, which could then facilitate their transfer to Ukraine. Previously, Trump had also considered the NATO alliance as a potential intermediary. He emphasized that the United States will not bear the financial costs associated with the deployment.
During the same appearance at Andrews Air Force Base, Trump also directed criticism toward Moscow. “Putin has surprised many people” he remarked, referencing a perceived discrepancy between his diplomatic rhetoric and subsequent military actions. “He talks beautifully and then he bombs everyone in the evening. There’s a little problem there and I don’t like it”.