Trump Sends Patriot Missiles to Ukraine, Criticizes Putin’s Mixed Messaging
President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, reversing an earlier decision to pause certain arms deliveries. He also signaled potential new sanctions against Russia, expressing frustration with President Vladimir Putin’s handling of the war in Ukraine.
Trump’s statement came just ahead of what he described as a “major announcement” on Russia, expected Monday. His comments coincided with heightened diplomatic activity, including a visit by the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine and a planned meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington.
The conflict in Ukraine has dragged on for more than three years, with Russian attacks intensifying in recent months. Trump did not specify how many Patriot systems would be sent, but emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs them.
“We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews after returning from the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey. “I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to get some because they need protection.”
This decision marks a departure from the White House’s earlier stance this month, when it announced a temporary halt in arms deliveries to Kyiv. The new arrangement will reportedly involve NATO covering the cost of some of the weapons provided to Ukraine.
“We’re basically sending them advanced military equipment, and they’re going to pay us 100 percent,” Trump said. “It’ll be business for us.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that his government is close to finalizing a deal for additional Patriot systems and the missiles needed to operate them.
Trump, who has grown increasingly critical of Putin, reiterated his disappointment with the Russian president’s behavior.
“Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, then bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump said.
When he returned to office in January, Trump initially held off on imposing new sanctions, suggesting he could negotiate a resolution with Russia. However, months of failed ceasefire proposals have worn thin on U.S. patience, and Trump now appears more willing to take a harder line.
Pressed on whether new sanctions would be introduced, Trump said, “We’ll see what happens tomorrow,” while confirming his upcoming meeting with Rutte.
In Congress, momentum is building behind a bipartisan sanctions bill that would give Trump sweeping powers to impose economic pressure on Russia. On Sunday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham described the legislation as a “sledgehammer” that would allow the president to target not only Russia but any country supporting its war effort.
The bill includes provisions for up to 500 percent tariffs on nations aiding Russia, including those buying Russian exports—potentially affecting countries like China, India, and Brazil.
“This is a serious tool that gives President Trump real leverage to help bring this war to an end,” Graham said in an interview.
Zelensky welcomed the bill, calling it a step toward meaningful diplomacy and a faster path to peace.
Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal are also scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary General Rutte on Monday evening. Their discussions are expected to include efforts to unlock billions in frozen Russian assets in the U.S. and Europe for Ukrainian use.
“The $5 billion the U.S. has frozen should be put to use. I think the time has come,” said Blumenthal.
