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President Donald Trump said Sunday he will send U.S. Patriot missiles to Ukraine in response to intensifying Russian aerial assaults, a move he says is aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s defenses against attacks ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin talks nice but then he bombs everybody in the evening,” Trump told reporters, expressing frustration with the Kremlin’s continued military campaign.
The president did not specify how many missile systems would be delivered but said the European Union would cover the cost of the transfer.
“They are going to pay us 100% for that, and that’s the way we want it,” Trump said.
The announcement comes as the Senate prepares to take up a bipartisan bill aimed at reinforcing Trump’s position on Russia. Lawmakers are drafting legislation that would impose new sanctions on Moscow, with floor debate expected to begin later this week.
The proposed sanctions package would strengthen the president’s authority to target Russia’s financial and industrial sectors, as well as any foreign governments supporting the Kremlin’s war effort.
Trump’s remarks mark a shift in tone as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year. While previous U.S. support for Ukraine has included both military aid and financial assistance, Sunday’s announcement suggests a renewed push for European partners to share more of the burden.
White House officials did not offer further details on the timeline for the missile deployment or how the reimbursement process will be managed. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said more information would be released in coordination with allies in the coming days.
The Patriot missile system, designed to intercept incoming aircraft and missiles, has been a key request from Ukrainian leaders seeking to protect major cities and infrastructure from ongoing Russian strikes.
European leaders have broadly supported increasing aid to Ukraine and have recently stepped up commitments to help cover the costs of advanced weaponry. Trump has repeatedly urged NATO allies to contribute more to defense spending and has used reimbursement deals to underscore what he calls a more “fair” arrangement for American taxpayers.