US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defence missiles, a move aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against continued Russian attacks.
Speaking during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit, Trump said Washington would grant Ukraine the licence to produce the advanced missile system locally.
“We’re going to give a licence to you to make Patriots. That’s pretty cool, right? This way, you can’t complain that we’re not giving them enough,” Trump said.
He jokingly added that the missile manufacturer had not yet been informed of the decision but expressed confidence that everything would work out.
Ukraine has faced increasing challenges defending against Russian ballistic missile attacks as supplies of US-made Patriot interceptors continue to decline.
Despite the renewed bombardment of Kyiv, Ukraine has recently intensified strikes deep inside Russian territory while stabilising parts of the frontline.
Trump described the latest developments as an escalation that could ultimately help bring the war to an end.
“It’s an escalation, but it’s also an escalation that can help lead to an end,” he said.
The US president also reiterated his belief that both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin are interested in reaching an agreement to end the conflict.
“The president wants to get it done, and I believe that President Putin wants to get it done, and that should be a good combination,” Trump added.
Source: AFP
