US President Donald Trump has said that Ukraine requires more Patriot missile systems to defend its territory, following a phone call on Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The remarks come a day after Trump expressed deep frustration over what he described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to work on a ceasefire.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump described the call with Zelensky as “good” and noted the growing pressure on Ukraine amid escalating Russian airstrikes.
“They’re going to need them for defence… They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard,” Trump said, referring to Ukraine’s request for more Patriot missile systems.
He praised the U.S.-made missile system as “pretty amazing” and said Ukraine was facing a “very tough situation”, warning that Putin appeared unwilling to halt the war.
“I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people – it’s no good,” Trump said.
Following the call, Zelensky said in a message on Telegram that he and Trump had agreed to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences, including discussions on joint defence production, purchases and investments.
Ukraine has repeatedly pressed Washington to resume shipments of Patriot missiles, describing them as critical to defending its cities from Russian missile and drone attacks. The Biden administration’s pause in some weapon deliveries earlier in the week sparked concern in Kyiv, which warned the move would weaken its ability to resist Russian advances.
Germany has since said it is in discussions to procure additional Patriot systems, in an effort to plug the gap.
A source familiar with the Trump-Zelensky call told Reuters that the conversation was “very good” and expressed optimism that Patriot supplies may soon resume.
Meanwhile, Russia has continued to target Ukrainian infrastructure and urban areas, with Putin showing no signs of relenting, despite mounting diplomatic pressure.
As the war drags into its third year, both Ukraine and its allies fear that delays in military aid could significantly shift the balance on the battlefield, especially with a summer offensive by Russian forces underway.
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