WSJ: Trump considers sending additional Patriot system to Ukraine

President Donald Trump is weighing the possibility of sending an additional Patriot air-defence system to Ukraine, following his recent vow to bolster Kyiv’s defences against intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter.

The consideration comes after Trump launched a sharp rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 8, declaring, “we get a lot of bulls—t thrown at us by Putin.” The Trump administration, however, has yet to formally announce what specific military support it plans to extend to Ukraine in light of Putin’s rejection of Trump’s push to end the ongoing war, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

If approved, the deployment of another Patriot system would mark a significant shift in policy—representing the first time Trump has endorsed sending a major weapons platform to Ukraine beyond those previously authorised under the Biden administration.

One of the officials confirmed that the White House has requested the Pentagon to present options for arming Ukraine further, including the possibility of dispatching an additional Patriot battery. Officials are also examining whether allied countries could contribute more systems to Kyiv’s defence arsenal.

The potential transfer of advanced weaponry comes amid an evolving approach to Ukraine under Trump’s leadership. Although he entered office expressing scepticism toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including a tense Oval Office meeting in February, Trump had maintained optimism that Putin would “keep his word” on resolving the three-year conflict through negotiations.

Ukraine currently operates only a limited number of Patriot systems, which have been donated by the United States and allied nations. The country has repeatedly urged its partners to provide more of these systems, which are composed of multiple launchers, a radar unit, a command centre, and interceptor missiles. These high-demand defence platforms have proven critical in modern conflict zones, including their recent use to defend Al Udeid air base from an Iranian missile barrage.

According to one of the officials, the U.S. Army could furnish another Patriot for Ukraine if ordered to do so. Yet, a lingering concern remains over the supply of interceptors. With simultaneous conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East straining global munitions stockpiles, U.S. defence officials are under pressure to replenish domestic reserves while maintaining international support commitments.

The deliberations represent another turn in the administration’s fluctuating stance on military aid to Ukraine, underscoring the broader strategic balancing act the White House must manage in the face of global demand for high-tech defence systems.

By Vugar Khalilov