US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will supply Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, but clarified that the European Union will cover the full cost of the deployment. The move comes in response to recent intensified aerial attacks on Kyiv by Russian forces.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday, Trump said he would meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss further military support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.

“We’re going to send them very sophisticated military equipment. They’re going to pay us 100 percent for it, and that’s how it should be. We’ve been pushing for this approach — providing support, but ensuring reimbursement,” Trump stated.

Although he did not specify the number of Patriot systems to be delivered, Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s urgent need for air defence, given recent Russian missile and drone attacks.

“I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to get some. The European Union is paying, not us. It’ll be business for us — we send the Patriots, and they pay. Putin talks nicely, then bombs everyone by night. It’s a serious issue,” he added.

Indirect Support via NATO Allies

Earlier last week, Trump had said that the US would provide arms to NATO allies, who would then transfer the equipment to Ukraine. This was later confirmed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized the efficiency of sending supplies from Europe rather than directly from US-based production lines.

Ukraine Responds to Renewed US Support

In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that high-level talks with the US are scheduled for this week. He welcomed the renewed flow of military aid and announced that General Keith Kellogg, Assistant to the US President and Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, will arrive in Kyiv for direct consultations.

“We’ve received strong political signals from both the US and our European partners. Aid shipments have resumed, and next week our military will engage in talks with General Kellogg,” Zelenskyy said.

This follows earlier reports that Trump’s administration had temporarily paused certain arms deliveries amid a review of US foreign aid and military expenditures.

Russian Strikes Intensify

The shift in US policy comes in the wake of a massive Russian aerial assault on Kyiv on July 4, in which over 500 drones and 11 missiles were launched. The attack resulted in one death, 23 injuries, and extensive damage across the Ukrainian capital, according to local authorities.