Washington, July 12, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to send additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, possibly via European Union countries, as global attention turns toward an upcoming “major announcement” he plans to make regarding the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at a U.S. military base near Washington, Trump offered few specifics about the missile shipments but emphasized the need to counter Russian aggression.
“We’re going to send them Patriot systems, which they badly need, because [Russian President Vladimir] Putin really surprised a lot of people. He speaks nicely and then bombs everyone at night… I don’t like it,” Trump said.
Trump stated the European Union would pay the full cost of the systems, without naming the specific countries involved.
“We will send various sophisticated military equipment. They will pay 100 percent for it. That’s how we want it,” he added.
Earlier this month, the U.S. had signaled a pause in some arms shipments to Ukraine. However, amid growing frustration with Putin’s unwillingness to consider a ceasefire, Trump reversed course and said on July 10 that more weapons would be sent — via NATO members or other European allies.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly discussed with Trump the possibility of Germany purchasing Patriot systems from the U.S. and transferring them to Ukraine. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is scheduled to visit Washington on July 14 for high-level defense talks.
The U.S. has already delivered three Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine — all under former President Joe Biden. The Patriot is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as enemy aircraft.
President Trump is expected to issue a major announcement on July 14, which could reshape U.S. strategy on the war. According to Axios, citing two sources familiar with the plan, Trump is preparing to unveil a more aggressive policy, possibly involving offensive weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
The White House has not commented on the Axios report.
In a parallel diplomatic effort, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also meet with Trump on July 14 to discuss the war and allied coordination. Rutte is expected to hold talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and members of Congress during his two-day visit to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, will begin a visit to Kyiv on the same day.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has made ending the war in Ukraine a top foreign policy priority.