U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States will send additional Patriot air defense systems and compatible munitions to Ukraine—but with a significant caveat: the full cost will be covered by European NATO member states. This pledge marks a notable shift in Washington’s approach to supporting Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing military campaign.
The announcement was made at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, as Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be rapidly deteriorating.
Air Defense Aid—Paid by Europe
“We will send them the Patriot systems they desperately need,” Trump said, without specifying the quantity to be delivered. He clarified that while the U.S. will provide the advanced military systems, they will be purchased by European allies. “Everything we send will be paid for 100%,” he emphasized. “That’s what we wanted.”
This move comes just two weeks after Washington announced a pause in the delivery of certain weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, citing concerns about maintaining adequate reserves for U.S. forces.
Despite the lack of details on exact numbers, Trump insisted, “I haven’t decided on the number yet, but they will have them—because they need protection.”
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin are seen during the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30, 2018. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci/File Photo
Trump also took aim at his Russian counterpart, expressing deep dissatisfaction with Putin’s actions. “I’m disappointed in him,” he said, noting that the Russian leader “surprises a lot of people” by “talking nicely during the day” and then “bombing everyone at night.”
“We have a problem with that,” Trump added sarcastically, in a statement that reflects the increasing strain in U.S.–Russia relations.
NATO Talks and Upcoming Announcement
President Trump is scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today, on the same day he is expected to make a “significant announcement regarding Russia.”
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis gather for a family photo during a NATO leaders summit in The Hague, Netherlands June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/Pool/File Photo
In a related development, Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, is expected to arrive in Kyiv today.
According to a report by Axios, citing two sources familiar with the matter, Trump is also preparing to unveil a new plan that would provide Ukraine with offensive weaponry—marking a sharp departure from his earlier, more restrained stance on military support.
No Immediate Comment from White House
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the reported plans. Reuters noted that it was unable to independently verify the Axios report at the time of publication.
