Trump announces U‑turn: US to send Patriot air‑defense systems to Ukraine

President Donald Trump confirmed on July 13 that the United States will supply Patriot air-defense systems to Ukraine, a significant reversal of a Pentagon directive earlier this month that halted arms shipments.

Trump said Ukraine will pay 100% of the cost via European funding, calling the move “business for us” and noting the urgent need for enhanced protection against Russian strikes.

Standing at Joint Base Andrews, Trump accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of duplicitous diplomacy: “He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening.”

He stated that Ukraine will receive “various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment,” though he did not disclose the exact number of systems.

This announcement comes after reports that Trump was “blindsided” by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unilateral decision to suspend weapons delivery, prompting him to intervene directly to resume support, including Patriot deliverables.

Trump is set to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, along with other senior US officials, to coordinate the aid plan and discuss Russia policy.

US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, along with Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg, have been pushing the initiative forward.

Senior lawmakers have also proposed sweeping new sanctions on Russia and its supporters, including tariff legislation that could impose duties up to 500% on countries continuing to buy Russian energy.

Ukraine's leadership welcomed the announcement. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had recently indicated that Kyiv was near agreement on securing additional Patriot systems and missiles from Western partners—a critical enhancement as Russia ramps up aerial and drone assaults.