Trump says Ukraine needs Patriot missiles, blames Biden for war

US President Donald Trump said Ukraine would require Patriot missiles for its defence and expressed frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s failure to end the ongoing conflict.

His comments followed a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 4, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Trump, speaking to reporters while traveling to New Jersey, noted that Ukraine was under heavy attack and would need advanced air defence systems to protect itself. He described the US-made Patriot missile system as “pretty amazing” and emphasised its effectiveness in countering aerial threats.

Kyiv has repeatedly urged Washington to provide additional Patriot missiles and systems, which it considers essential for defending cities against intensifying Russian airstrikes. However, a recent decision by the US to halt certain arms shipments to Ukraine raised concerns in Kyiv, with officials warning that the move could significantly weaken their defensive capabilities. In response, Germany announced it is in talks to purchase Patriot systems to help bridge the gap.

A source familiar with the Trump-Zelenskyy call told Reuters that the conversation between the two leaders was positive, and expressed optimism that Patriot missile supplies could soon resume.

Trump also reiterated his desire to see a resolution to the war in Ukraine but acknowledged uncertainty about whether such an outcome was achievable.

He said that while he wanted to see the conflict end, he could not guarantee it would happen. Trump further stated that he did not see himself as responsible for the situation in Ukraine, attributing the ongoing war to the actions of his predecessor Joe Biden.

By Sabina Mammadli