US President Donald Trump has confirmed plans to send military aid, including Patriot air defence systems, to Ukraine through NATO. In an interview with NBC News, he stated, “We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that.” This announcement follows discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who emphasized the urgent need for air defence systems due to an uptick in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky specifically requested ten Patriot systems, noting that Germany and Norway would contribute funding for some of the units. He highlighted the critical need for timely delivery, particularly in light of recent escalations in drone and missile strikes. On Tuesday night alone, Ukraine faced a record 728 drone attacks, prompting Zelensky to warn that Russia aims to escalate this number to 1,000.
Trump’s comments came after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress towards ending the ongoing conflict. He described Putin’s previous cordiality as ultimately “meaningless.” During the NBC interview, Trump hinted at a forthcoming “major statement” regarding Russia but did not provide details.
While NATO’s financial structure relies on member contributions, Trump assured that NATO would reimburse the full cost of the weapons supplied to Ukraine. The funding mechanisms of NATO facilitate support among member nations, which include the United States.
In a related statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged NATO allies, such as Germany and Spain, to expedite the transfer of existing Patriot systems to Ukraine. He noted that these systems could reach the front lines more quickly than new shipments would. Rubio suggested financial agreements that would allow these countries to replace their transferred systems.
Concerns have arisen regarding the US’s military support for Ukraine, particularly after reports indicated that some critical shipments had been halted. Among the paused deliveries were Patriot interceptor missiles and precision artillery shells. As Ukraine grapples with an unprecedented wave of drone assaults, Trump reaffirmed the need for continued military assistance, stating, “We have to… They’re getting hit very hard now.”
The United Nations reported that June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in Ukraine over the past three years, with 232 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries. Since Trump resumed his term in January 2023, he has advocated for a reassessment of US support for Ukraine, which totalled approximately $69 billion from early 2022 until late 2024, according to the Kiel Institute.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has prompted the US to urge both nations to pursue a peaceful resolution. Rubio mentioned a recent conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, describing it as “frank.” He echoed Trump’s frustrations regarding the stagnation of peace talks and expressed disappointment over the lack of flexibility from the Russian side.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of Trump’s announcements and the ongoing dialogues between nations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the conflict in Ukraine.
