U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that his administration will proceed with sending additional Patriot air-defense batteries to Ukraine, marking a shift in his approach to Kyiv’s defense needs. Trump emphasized that Ukraine would fully reimburse the U.S. for the systems, telling reporters, “We’re not paying anything for them. But we will get them Patriots, which they desperately need”.

Trump’s announcement represents a significant departure from his earlier policy of withholding new weapons shipments to Ukraine. For months, he resisted calls to expand aid, arguing it would harden Russia’s resolve and block diplomatic efforts. However, recent Russian aerial bombardments of Ukrainian cities and the failure to make progress in ceasefire negotiations appear to have shifted his position.

“He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump said of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing frustration with Moscow’s conduct.

NATO’s Role and Ukraine’s Response

The weapons deliveries are expected to be coordinated through NATO, which Trump said would ensure the systems reach Ukraine efficiently. The decision follows recent meetings in Rome between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. and European officials. Zelenskyy welcomed the announcement, citing a “positive dialogue” with Trump and reaffirming Ukraine’s urgent need for strengthened air defenses.

“It’s crucial that — following our constructive and very positive conversations with President Trump — we have all necessary political signals on the resumption of aid shipments,” Zelenskyy told reporters in Rome.

Political Implications

Trump’s decision is likely to calm some Western allies who had grown concerned by signs the U.S. was stepping back from its commitment to Ukraine. The delivery of additional Patriots is expected to help bolster Ukraine’s defenses against continued Russian missile and drone attacks, particularly as Ukraine braces for a potential escalation in hostilities.

Trump is also scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte this week, where Ukraine is expected to be a central topic.