US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to transfer Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, which he said are “desperately needed” by the Ukrainian army. He told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base on July 13, Reuters .
“We’re going to send Patriots because Putin has really surprised a lot of people. He talks a lot and then he bombs everyone in the evening. But there’s a little problem. I don’t like it,” Trump said.
Although he did not name the exact number of complexes, the US president assured that "some number" of air defense systems would be transferred, and the costs for them would be reimbursed by the European Union.
“We are going to send them various samples of very sophisticated military equipment. They will pay us 100% for it, and that is what we want,” Trump stressed.
He is expected to make a separate statement on July 14 regarding an "aggressive" military aid plan for Ukraine, which, according to Axios , could include long-range missiles.
In addition, this week Donald Trump will meet with the new NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, where the situation in Ukraine will be among the key topics.
The day before, on July 13, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced a record-breaking arms supply to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He also stated that the US may impose new sanctions not only against Russia, but also against its partners — China, India, and Brazil.
