Asger Risom
In a sudden shift, President Donald Trump has ordered the delivery of Patriot missiles to Ukraine and is now urging Germany to supply one of its own air defense systems. As Kyiv battles a surge in Russian drone and missile attacks, international pressure mounts for faster, more decisive support.
In a sudden shift, President Donald Trump has ordered the delivery of Patriot missiles to Ukraine and is now urging Germany to supply one of its own air defense systems. As Kyiv battles a surge in Russian drone and missile attacks, international pressure mounts for faster, more decisive support.
10 Patriot Missiles on the Way
Trump has approved the immediate transfer of 10 Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. The move comes after days of internal consultations and growing urgency from Kyiv for more help protecting its skies.
Pressure on Germany to Step Up
Alongside U.S. deliveries, Trump has personally called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to transfer one of Germany’s own Patriot batteries to Ukraine. Germany has reportedly offered to buy new systems from the U.S. instead, but Trump wants existing hardware sent now.
Zelensky-Trump Call: Limited Help, More to Come
In a recent phone call, Trump told President Zelensky that while full weapons shipments remain paused for a stockpile review, the U.S. would still deliver some immediate assistance. The 10 missiles are seen as a partial bridge until broader shipments resume.
Strategic Deadlock Over Defense Stocks
The U.S. reportedly has only 25% of the Patriot interceptors it needs for global military plans. With Pentagon stocks low, internal debates continue over how much aid can be sent without compromising American readiness.
Germany’s Critical Role in Ukraine Aid
German officials say they’ve already sent a larger share of their Patriot systems than the U.S. Now, with Trump applying pressure, Berlin faces renewed scrutiny over how far it’s willing to go—and how quickly it can act.
Allies May Share the Cost
Sources say if Germany agrees to send a battery, the U.S. and other European partners may help split the cost. Discussions are ongoing, but no deal has yet been finalized between Trump and Merz.
Kyiv’s Defenses Still Under Strain
Ukraine continues to plead for more air defense systems after recent Russian attacks involving hundreds of drones and missiles. Even with new missiles incoming, Kyiv says it needs full batteries—not just fragments—to counter the assault.
