Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday, July 13, announced that his administration would send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, calling them :desperately needed", while taking a fresh aim at Russian president Vladimir Putin. Trump's remarks come ahead of a "major statement" on Russia, that he is expected to deliver on Monday, July 14.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews after attending the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, Trump said, “We will send them Patriots… I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some because they do need protection.”
Have a look at his entire statement here:
"Weapons For Profit, Not Charity"
The decision looks like a reversal from the White House’s earlier stance this month to pause arms deliveries to Kyiv. Under a new arrangement, NATO is expected to fund the weapons being sent to Ukraine.
“We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military and they’re going to pay us 100 percent for them,” Trump said, adding, “It’ll be business for us.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had also earlier mentioned that Ukraine was “close to reaching a multi-level agreement” for new Patriot systems and compatible missiles.
Sanctions May Follow
Trump, who had earlier resisted pressure to tighten sanctions on Russia, appeared to be very exasperated with Kremlin. “Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” he said, hinting towards the possibility that Monday's announcement might include new penalties as well.
A bipartisan bill gaining traction in Congress would grant Trump sweeping authority to impose what Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called "sledgehammer" sanctions. These include 500 percent tariffs on countries aiding Russia's war machine, with China, Brazil, and India named as possible targets.
Zelensky even welcomed the proposed bill, calling it "exactly the kind of leverage that can bring in peace closer."
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also conformed that discussions are currently underway to unlock frozen Russian assets, including $5 billion held in the US, to further aid Ukraine.
