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 only two weeks prior.
Specific details regarding the quantity 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 floated the possibility of utilizing NATO as an intermediary. The President emphasized that the United States would not be responsible for covering the associated costs.
During the announcement at Andrews Air Force Base, Trump also directed criticism towards Moscow. “Putin has surprised many people” he said. “He talks nicely and then he bombs everyone at night. There’s a little problem there, I don’t like it”.
