U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukraine “will need” more Patriot missile systems for defense, following a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, during which both leaders discussed escalating Russian airstrikes and joint defense cooperation.
“They’re going to need them for defense,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
“They’re being hit pretty hard… The Patriot is pretty amazing.”
Trump’s endorsement comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv, which is facing intensified drone and missile attacks by Russian forces, particularly following Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as “very disappointing.”
“He [Putin] wants to go all the way, just keep killing people — it’s no good,” Trump said of the Russian leader.
U.S. Aid and Joint Production in Focus
Zelensky confirmed the discussion centered around boosting Ukraine’s air defense, including joint defense production and investment partnerships with the U.S.
“We need it, America needs it,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
“We agreed to arrange a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defenses.”
Ukraine has consistently requested Patriot systems, considered among the most effective missile defense technologies, to shield its cities and infrastructure from Russian bombardment. A recent pause in U.S. military aid shipments raised alarm in Kyiv, prompting German efforts to fill the gap with potential Patriot purchases of their own.
Trump’s Strategic Shift from Biden’s Approach
Trump criticized the previous Biden administration for sending large volumes of weapons to Ukraine without “getting anything in return.” Since taking office, Trump has taken a more transactional approach to international aid, but his latest conversation with Zelensky suggests renewed strategic engagement.
According to Axios, the call between Trump and Zelensky lasted about 40 minutes, during which Trump said he would check on the status of U.S. arms shipments. A source familiar with the call said it was “very good” and had renewed optimism that supplies of Patriot missiles might resume soon.
Germany and NATO Role
Trump also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Ukraine’s urgent defense needs. No final decision has yet been made by Berlin or Washington, but Germany has reportedly entered talks to procure Patriot systems to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank and support Ukraine.
Russia Escalates Strikes After Trump-Putin Call
Hours after Trump’s call with Putin, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Kyiv since the war began — a move Ukrainian officials labeled “massive and cynical.”
Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to defend its skies and stressed the need for greater global coordination, particularly from the U.S., to deter further Russian aggression.
Conclusion:
With the war entering a deadlier phase, Trump’s comments hint at a shift toward stronger defense cooperation with Ukraine. As Kyiv reels from relentless aerial attacks, decisions over Patriot missile supply may significantly impact both battlefield outcomes and the broader geopolitical dynamics in Europe.