Trump to Send Patriot Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. Trump made this declaration to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday, expressing growing disillusionment with Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to negotiate an end to Moscow's invasion.

"We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need," Trump stated. Criticizing Putin, he added, "Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening. So, there's a bit of a problem there. I don't like it." Trump noted that he hasn't yet decided on the number of Patriot batteries to send, but stressed that Ukraine will definitely receive some for its protection.

Trump's remarks come shortly after he confirmed last week that his administration had decided to sell weapons to NATO allies in Europe for them to pass on to Kyiv.

Trump is also scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte this week to discuss plans for supplying weapons to Kyiv. Ahead of Rutte's visit to Washington, Trump hinted that he would make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday.

According to Axios, citing two unnamed sources, Trump's upcoming announcement is expected to include "offensive weapons" for Ukraine.