Trump says he is 'not sure' about Ukraine Patriot license, contradicting NATO pledge
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President Donald Trump expressed doubt about providing Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot missiles in an interview with the Financial Times, walking back a commitment he made at the NATO summit in Ankara just two weeks ago. He said his priority is peace, not weapons, while confirming that envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will travel to Kyiv in the coming days. The shift cast uncertainty over Ukraine's air defense plans, as Zelensky had recently discussed production licenses with Trump and Lockheed Martin.
The Reversal
Trump told the Financial Times he is "not sure" about granting Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles, contradicting his statement at the NATO summit in Ankara two weeks earlier. "This is very unusual weaponry, and we need to be careful about who we license. We essentially do not license equipment," he said. The U.S. president's remarks backtrack on what was seen as a commitment made during the alliance gathering.
Peace Over Weapons
Trump emphasized that his main goal is ending the conflict, not arming Ukraine. He confirmed that his special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will visit Kyiv for the first time in the coming days. "I'm not looking for missiles. We're looking for peace," Trump stated, signaling a shift in Washington's approach.
Ukraine's Air Defense Ambitions
President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier said he discussed with Trump licenses to produce Patriot interceptor missiles and revitalizing the diplomatic process. He also met with Lockheed Martin representatives, the manufacturer of ATACMS, HIMARS, F-16 jets, and Patriot missiles. Those talks underscored Kyiv's push to bolster its air defenses with U.S. technology.
What's Next
The envoys' upcoming trip to Kyiv may clarify Washington's stance, but it remains unclear whether the license will ultimately be granted amid shifting U.S. priorities.
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Trump says he is 'not sure' about Ukraine Patriot license, contradicting NATO pledge
