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United States President Donald Trump said he would send additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine - most likely via the European Union - as Kiev, Moscow and the world await a "major statement" from him regarding the war.
Speaking to reporters at a US military base near Washington, Trump did not provide details about the planned deliveries of Patriot systems to Kiev.
"We're going to send them Patriot systems, which they need so badly, because [Russian President Vladimir] Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then bombs everyone in the evening... I don't like it," Trump said.
"The European Union will pay for them. We won't pay anything, but we'll send them," Trump said, without specifying which EU countries would be involved in such a transaction.
"We will send them various military equipment, very sophisticated. They will pay 100 percent for it. That's what we want," he added. On July 2, Washington warned that it would cut off some arms supplies to Kiev.
However, Trump increasingly expressed frustration with Putin's refusal to accept a ceasefire and, on July 10, he said the United States would send additional weapons to Ukraine - through NATO member countries or other European allies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a phone conversation with Trump on July 4, spoke about the possibility of Berlin purchasing Patriot systems from Washington and then sending them to Ukraine.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to arrive in Washington on July 14 for talks with U.S. officials. The United States sent three Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine — all during the administration of President Joe Biden.
The Patriot system is one of the world's most advanced air defense systems, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and fighter jets. Trump announced a "major declaration" of war on July 14.
It comes at a time when Russian attacks on Ukraine have calmed down relatively, following a record wave of airstrikes in previous weeks.
Axios, citing two people familiar with the plan, reported on July 13 that Trump is expected to announce a major shift in his strategy toward the war, outlining an "aggressive" policy that would include offensive weapons for Ukraine.
The White House did not comment on this report.
On the diplomatic front, NATO chief Mark Rutte is also expected to meet with Trump on July 14 to discuss Ukraine and other issues.
According to a statement from the Western military alliance, Rutte will also meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and members of the US Congress during his two-day visit to the US.
On the other hand, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, will begin a visit to Ukraine on July 14.
Since taking office in January, Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top foreign policy priority./ REL
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