U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine through NATO, with the alliance set to cover the full cost of the transfer.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated that “We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that,” underscoring that the cost would be reimbursed by NATO partners. The announcement comes in response to a recent surge in Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a record-breaking 728 drones reportedly launched in a single night earlier this week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a “positive dialogue” with Trump, during which he formally requested 10 Patriot systems to reinforce Ukraine’s missile defense network amid escalating Russian aerial assaults. These advanced air defense batteries, which can intercept ballistic and cruise missiles, are vital components of Ukraine’s multi-layered defense, complementing its Soviet-era S-300s and Western-supplied NASAMS.

Each Patriot battery—consisting of radar systems, command stations, and interceptor missiles—is estimated to cost around $1 billion, a key reason why Western allies have been cautious in supplying them. However, Trump’s announcement signals a renewed push to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities through collective NATO efforts.

According to reports, at least one Patriot battery previously stationed in Israel is currently being refurbished in the U.S. for delivery to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have been training to operate the systems since April 2023, although the exact number of deployed batteries in the country remains classified.

During a visit to Rome, President Zelensky disclosed that Germany has agreed to fund two Patriot systems, while Norway has committed to one. Additional European countries are reportedly preparing similar contributions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged NATO members—particularly Germany and Spain—to send existing systems to Ukraine immediately, with replacement arrangements to follow.

The announcement comes amid heightened concern in Kyiv after the U.S. paused certain arms shipments last week. Trump acknowledged the growing urgency: “They’re getting hit very hard now,” he said, confirming additional weapons packages are being prepared.

The UN reported that June 2025 marked the deadliest month in Ukraine in over three years, with 232 civilians killed and more than 1,300 wounded. The renewed military support aims to stem the rising civilian toll and protect vital infrastructure.

Despite his administration's general push to reduce U.S. military aid to Ukraine, Trump expressed frustration with stalled peace negotiations. Following a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump remarked that while Putin’s attitude was “very nice,” there had been no tangible progress. He hinted at a forthcoming “major statement” regarding the conflict, expected Monday.

In parallel, Secretary Rubio held what he described as a “frank” discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia, where undisclosed proposals for ending the war were exchanged.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has provided over $69 billion in military aid to Ukraine, according to data from the Kiel Institute. Trump has repeatedly pressed NATO allies to meet their defense spending obligations, reaffirming the alliance’s 2024 commitment for all members to allocate 2% of GDP to defense.

As Russia’s air campaign intensifies, the transfer of Patriot systems through NATO underscores a growing urgency to shield Ukrainian cities and civilians from further destruction. (ILKHA)