President Trump says the U.S. will send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine amid rising tensions.
He expressed deep disappointment with Putin and vowed stronger support for Kyiv’s defense needs.
United States President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will begin supplying Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, a move signaling growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the ongoing war.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday, Trump said, “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,” referring to the high-powered missile defense systems widely used by NATO countries.
Trump’s remarks come amid an intensifying effort by his administration to bolster Ukraine’s defenses while pressuring Moscow to pursue a peace deal. While he has yet to confirm how many batteries will be delivered, Trump noted that Ukraine “needs protection” and that some systems will be deployed soon.
The decision marks a significant policy shift, as Trump had previously rolled back parts of U.S. military support for Kyiv after returning to the White House in January. Since then, Ukraine has relied on previously approved assistance under former President Joe Biden’s administration, while Trump hesitated on new arms transfers.
Trump’s recent change in tone is fueled by what he described as deceptive behavior by President Putin. “Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” he said. “I am very disappointed with President Putin. I thought he was somebody who meant what he said.”
The American president’s criticism follows failed attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine agreed to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, Moscow rejected the plan, arguing it would give Kyiv a chance to rearm and reorganize.
Last week, Trump approved the sale of U.S. weapons to NATO allies, allowing them to supply Ukraine directly. This new Patriot missile pledge adds to that support as Ukraine continues to fend off Russian advances amid escalating airstrikes.
Trump is expected to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte this week, where further discussions on U.S. support for Ukraine and broader security cooperation are expected to dominate talks. Rutte’s visit comes ahead of Trump’s planned announcement on Russia scheduled for Monday, which may include the provision of more “offensive weapons,” according to a report by Axios.
In addition to new military aid, momentum is building in Congress to tighten economic pressure on Russia. Senator Lindsey Graham revealed a bipartisan sanctions package on Sunday that would give Trump broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries that continue to support Russia’s military operations.
“This package would give President Trump a sledgehammer to end the war,” Graham said during an interview with CBS News. “He can dial it up or down. He can go from zero to 500. He has maximum flexibility.”
Trump, who campaigned on promises to bring the war in Ukraine to a swift end, had initially resisted approving new aid, describing it as a burden on American taxpayers. However, recent developments suggest a pivot toward renewed involvement as frustration mounts over Putin’s unwillingness to commit to peace.
In his strongest language yet, Trump remarked, “He’ll talk so beautifully, and then he’ll bomb people at night. We don’t like that.”
