Trump Slams Putin, Backs Patriot Missiles For Ukraine Defense/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump says Ukraine urgently needs Patriot missiles to defend against escalating Russian attacks. After a tense call with Putin, Trump voiced frustration over Moscow’s unwillingness to seek peace. Ukraine seeks U.S. and German help as drone strikes batter Kyiv.
Trump Ukraine Patriot Missiles Quick Looks
- Trump calls Ukraine “hit pretty hard” by Russia.
- Supports sending Patriot missiles to boost defenses.
- Frustrated by Putin’s refusal to discuss ceasefire.
- Zelenskiy and Trump discuss joint defense production.
- Kyiv faces largest drone strikes since invasion began.
- Germany considering Patriots to fill U.S. supply gaps.
- Trump criticized Biden’s Ukraine aid strategy previously.
Deep Look
Trump Backs Patriot Missiles For Ukraine, Slams Putin Over Relentless Attacks
WASHINGTON/KYIV (Reuters) — U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Ukraine’s need for Patriot missile systems, describing the country as “being hit pretty hard” amid relentless Russian drone and missile strikes.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed he’d held what he called a “good call” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday. The conversation focused heavily on Ukraine’s urgent defense needs as Russia continues to escalate attacks across Ukrainian cities.
“They’re going to need [Patriots] for defense,” Trump said, highlighting the missile system’s capability and calling it “pretty amazing.”
Trump’s comments come a day after expressing sharp disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing his recent call with the Kremlin leader as deeply unsatisfying. “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people—it’s no good,” Trump said, lamenting Putin’s unwillingness to pursue a ceasefire.
Ukraine’s Urgent Plea For Air Defense
President Zelenskiy confirmed his call with Trump in a video address, revealing that the leaders discussed joint defense production, weapons purchases, and investments aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s capacity to “defend the sky.”
“We had a very detailed discussion on joint production. We need it, America needs it,” Zelenskiy said.
Ukraine has repeatedly pressed Washington for more Patriot missile systems, viewing them as essential to shielding cities from Russia’s intensifying aerial assaults. However, recent U.S. decisions to halt some weapons shipments have left Kyiv concerned about a potential gap in its defenses.
A source briefed on the Trump-Zelenskiy call described the discussion as “very good,” expressing optimism that supplies of Patriot missiles could resume soon.
Russia Strikes Kyiv In Largest Drone Attack
Tensions spiked further on Thursday when Russia unleashed the largest drone attack of the war on Kyiv, lighting up the night sky and leaving widespread damage in the capital.
Zelenskiy condemned the assault as “deliberately massive and cynical,” underscoring the need for more advanced air defenses.
Trump revealed he also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Ukraine’s Patriot missile requests. While no immediate decision was made, Germany has indicated it may step in to purchase Patriot systems to help fill gaps left by paused U.S. supplies.
Meanwhile, Axios reported that Trump’s conversation with Zelenskiy lasted about 40 minutes and included discussions about which U.S. weapons shipments might currently be on hold.
Shifting U.S.-Ukraine Dynamics
Under former President Joe Biden, Ukraine received Patriot missile batteries and ammunition as part of multi-billion-dollar aid packages. Trump, however, has criticized Biden’s approach, arguing that previous military support to Ukraine came without sufficient concessions from Kyiv in return.
Since taking office again, Trump has overseen significant changes in U.S.-Ukraine relations, navigating complex decisions about military aid amid ongoing conflict.
As Russia continues its brutal assault, the urgency for Ukraine’s air defense remains critical, and Trump’s latest statements signal both support for Ukrainian defenses and continued skepticism about Moscow’s intentions.
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