- ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 08/Jul 13:25

Trump Sends Patriot Missiles to Ukraine, Pressures Germany to Act

U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized the delivery of 10 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine and is actively pressuring Germany to transfer one of its own Patriot batteries to bolster Ukraine’s air defense, Axios reports. The decision, made on July 7, comes after days of international consultations regarding how and from where additional air defense support could be provided to Ukraine. While the Trump administration had earlier suspended certain arms deliveries, including Patriot interceptors, Trump has revived limited shipments. The move is seen as both a signal of support for Ukraine and a strategic recalibration of U.S. weapons reserves. During a recent call with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump reportedly expressed his desire to assist Ukraine in enhancing its air defense capabilities.  However, he also stressed the need to reassess U.S. stockpiles before resuming full-scale military aid. As a stopgap measure, Trump agreed to send 10 missiles, fewer than originally planned, and to support the search for alternative delivery routes. At the same time, Trump is urging European allies to shoulder more of the burden. According to German officials, Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with Trump on July 7, requesting the release of previously suspended U.S. missile shipments.  In response, Trump proposed that Berlin send one of its own Patriot systems to Ukraine, with Washington and other allies potentially sharing the financial burden. While no formal agreement was reached, negotiations remain ongoing. German officials maintain that Berlin has already provided a significant portion of its Patriot missile stockpile to Ukraine in some cases, exceeding U.S. contributions. Meanwhile, concerns persist in Washington over dwindling U.S. supplies. A recent Guardian report noted that the U.S. retains only around 25% of the Patriot missiles required for contingency military operations. The post Trump Sends Patriot Missiles to Ukraine, Pressures Germany to Act appeared first on Freedom.