Trump open to supplying Patriot missiles to Ukraine, cites concern for civilian lives
The United States is considering supplying Patriot air
defense missiles to Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said while speaking with
reporters aboard Air Force One on July 4.
“We may look into it <...> I don’t want to see
children being killed. They [Patriot missiles] are incredibly effective. You
know, we shot down 14 out of 14 targets. That’s pretty incredible, when you
think about it,” Trump said.
On July 3, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the United
States had temporarily suspended military assistance not only to Ukraine but
also to other partners, as part of an internal review of defense stockpiles.
Washington wants to ensure its own security is not undermined while continuing
to support allies abroad.
On July 1, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly
confirmed that the United States had paused some weapons deliveries to Ukraine
following a Defense Department review and consultations with partner nations.
According to Politico, the decision affects certain air defense missiles and
other precision-guided munitions. The move was driven by concerns over
excessive depletion of U.S. arsenals.
On July 2, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said it had not
received official notice of any suspension or changes to the previously agreed
military aid schedule from the United States and is currently seeking
clarification.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana
Betsa met with U.S. chargé d’affaires in Ukraine John Ginkel to discuss the
matter and hold consultations.
Meanwhile, Axios, citing sources, reported that during a
phone call on July 4, Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy he
wanted to help bolster Ukraine’s air defense and promised to look into the aid
suspension.
That same day, NBC News, citing three U.S. officials,
reported that the Defense Department’s decision to pause weapons deliveries to
Ukraine lacked solid justification, noting that internal assessments showed the
aid packages for Kyiv would not endanger U.S. ammunition reserves.
Reuters reported that following the Trump–Zelenskyy call, there is renewed hope that Patriot missile shipments to Kyiv could be resumed.
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