Donald Trump promises to supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, marking a sharp shift from just weeks ago when a temporary freeze was placed on US weapons deliveries.
“We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,” Trump told reporters on July 13, 2025. “I haven’t decided how many yet, but they’re going to get them, because they need protection.”
The Patriot missile systems will be delivered under a NATO-backed agreement in which the alliance will reimburse the US for all costs.
“They’re going to pay us 100 percent for them,” Trump said. “We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military.”
Patriots seen as vital to Ukraine’s defense
Patriot systems are among the most in-demand air defense platforms in Europe. They are especially effective against ballistic missiles, which Russia continues to use in strikes against Ukrainian military and civilian targets. The systems have played a key role in protecting infrastructure and major cities from Russian attacks.
Ukraine first received Patriot batteries in April 2022 and has since called for additional units. The Ukrainian Air Force recently stated that at least 25 Patriot systems would be needed to build a comprehensive, layered defense network. Kyiv is also exploring the localization of Patriot component production.
Trump expresses frustration with Putin
Trump, who had previously promoted negotiations with Russia early in his second term, voiced clear frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nicely and then he bombs everyone at night,” Trump said.
The comments mark a notable shift in tone as air strikes by Russian forces on Ukrainian infrastructure have intensified in recent weeks.
Kellogg in Kyiv, Zelensky welcomes support
US Special Representative Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, shortly after President Trump announced the decision to send additional Patriot systems. Kellogg met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the talks as “productive” and focused on concrete next steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses.
“We discussed the path to peace and what we can practically do together to bring it closer,” Zelensky said. “This includes strengthening air defense for Ukraine, joint production, and purchasing defense weapons together with Europe.”
Zelensky also stressed the need for continued sanctions pressure on Russia and those supporting its war effort.
“It is clear that Moscow will not stop unless its inadequate ambitions are stopped by force. We hope for the leadership of the United States.”
Earlier, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, welcomed Kellogg via Telegram, saying: “Peace through strength is the principle of US President Donald Trump, and we support this approach.”
Kellogg’s trip to Ukraine is seen as a coordinated move ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday. The White House has said Trump will deliver “an important statement about Russia” following the meeting.
Shipment reversal follows surprise July arms freeze
The Patriot pledge follows backlash over a controversial July 2 decision by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to pause a major weapons shipment to Ukraine, without informing the White House, State Department, or NATO allies.
The pause came as Russia escalated missile and drone attacks, including a July 9–10 strike involving over 700 drones and missiles. Summer 2025 marked one of the deadliest times of the war, with civilian casualties reaching their highest levels in three years.
The halted package included Patriot interceptors, 155 mm artillery rounds, Hellfire, Stinger, and AIM air-to-air missiles, some of which had already arrived in Poland en route to Kyiv. The move reportedly blindsided Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kellogg, who both learned of the pause through the media. The post Donald Trump promises to supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine appeared first on AeroTime.
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, marking…
The post Donald Trump promises to supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine appeared first on AeroTime.