On July 13th, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will provide Patriot air defense missile systems to Ukraine, calling it a military necessity for the Ukrainian forces. Trump criticized Russian President Putin for not keeping his promises and emphasized that the EU will fully fund this military assistance, so it will not burden American taxpayers.
Upon his return to Washington on Sunday evening, Trump stated during a media interview at Joint Base Andrews that the United States will provide Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. “We will send Patriot missiles, which they urgently need,” Trump said. He added that although the specific quantity has not been finalized, Ukraine will receive some as they require protection. Trump also noted that this military aid will be paid for by the EU, stating, “We will send weapons. This is also a business deal for us.”
Several European countries have already deployed American-made weapons, and it is expected that NATO allies will first transfer existing stockpiles to Ukraine before the U.S. sells them new equipment to expedite the deployment process.
Trump mentioned that he will meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte the following day. “We will essentially be providing various advanced military equipment. They will pay 100%, which is the way we want it,” he stated.
Trump’s remarks signal a shift in Washington’s stance on military aid policies. Earlier this month, the Pentagon had temporarily halted some military aid to Ukraine, causing concern among Ukraine and European allies. However, due to Russia’s reluctance to accept the U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan, Trump’s dissatisfaction with Putin has grown, leading him to express willingness to expand military aid to Ukraine.
On Sunday, Trump once again expressed his disappointment with Putin to reporters. “Putin has really surprised a lot of people. He speaks nicely and then bombs everyone at night. It’s making the situation a bit tricky, and I don’t like it,” Trump said. “I am very disappointed in President Putin. I thought he was a man of his word,” he added.
Trump also hinted at making a “major statement” regarding Russia on Monday, with speculations from the public expecting the content to involve further military aid and economic sanctions against Russia.
Trump’s political ally, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, stated that a significant amount of American-made weapons will flow to Ukraine at a record pace in the coming days, emphasizing, “One of Putin’s biggest miscalculations was thinking he could play Trump.”
Graham, along with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, proposed a bipartisan bill imposing sanctions on Moscow. This legislation would authorize Trump to impose a 500% import tariff on countries purchasing Russian uranium, natural gas, and oil.
The bill currently sits in the Senate with support from 85 senators. Graham believes this legislation could be the “big hammer” that Trump needs to end the conflict.