Trump’s Game-Changer: Ukraine to Get Patriots via NATO
In a move that surprised many, President Donald Trump has approved a fresh military package that will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine—but not directly. Instead, the weapons will go through NATO, which will then handle distribution.
“We’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that,” Trump told NBC News. “And NATO will reimburse the full cost.”
This twist gives Trump room to say he’s supporting allies while shifting much of the financial burden onto NATO—something he’s long pushed for Air Defence System
US Zelensky’s Desperate Call
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky had just one message during his recent speech in Rome: “We need more Patriots.” He’s officially requested 10 Patriot systems to help defend Ukrainian skies from the growing Russian assault.
“They’re real protectors of life,” Zelensky emphasized, referring to the Patriot systems.
With Ukrainian cities facing daily missile and drone attacks, the timing of this aid could not be more critical
Record Drone Barrage Hits Ukraine: The Tipping Point
This week, Ukraine was hit by a record 728 drones in one night—yes, in a single night.
Zelensky warned that Russia aims to increase that number to 1,000, targeting not only infrastructure but civilian areas too. According to UN reports, June 2025 marked the deadliest month in three years, with 232 civilian deaths and over 1,300 injuries Air Defence System
Ukraine’s defence systems are running low—and Patriot air defence systems may be the only thing standing between survival and devastation.
How Patriot Systems Shield Cities From Devastation
Let’s break it down.
Patriot air defence systems are elite—equipped with advanced radar tracking, interception capabilities, and precision targeting. They’re designed to destroy incoming threats like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and armed drones before they strike Air Defence System
Right now, Ukraine uses a layered defence system:
- 🇷🇺 Soviet-era S-300 missiles
- 🇺🇸 Western NASAMS
- 🇺🇸 Patriots
But here’s the problem—Patriots are expensive. A single battery (with missiles) can cost $1 billion. That’s why countries hesitate to part with them.
Still, every additional Patriot system allows Ukraine to shield another city or power station. And in a war like this, that means lives saved.
Germany, Norway Step Up: European Allies Join the Mission
During the same Rome visit, Zelensky shared that Germany will fund two Patriot systems, and Norway will cover one. Other unnamed European nations are reportedly stepping in as well.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged NATO allies like Spain and Germany to donate their existing Patriot batteries. The logic? They can be deployed faster than new builds.
“We can enter financial agreements where they purchase replacements later,” Rubio told reporters Air Defence System
The Secret Patriot Battery From Israel
Here’s something not everyone knows.
According to The New York Times, one of the Patriot systems headed to Ukraine was previously stationed in Israel. It’s now undergoing refurbishment in the US and will soon be deployed to Ukraine Air Defence System
Negotiations around this specific battery have been in the works for months, and Ukrainian officials confirmed it left Israel weeks ago.
Once deployed, it could change the balance of air defence across eastern Ukraine.
Trump’s Russia Strategy: Confusion or Diplomacy?
Interestingly, all of this is happening while Trump continues his diplomatic tango with Russia.
After a recent phone call with Vladimir Putin, Trump said he was “not happy” with the lack of peace progress and criticized Putin’s “very nice” attitude as ultimately empty.
So is this a hard pivot away from Russia—or just political posturing?
“NATO needs to pay their fair share,” Trump added, hinting at his long-standing gripe about US defence spending.
What’s Next? Trump’s “Major” Announcement on Russia
The tension doesn’t end there.
Trump told NBC he plans to make a “major statement” about Russia on Monday, though he gave no hints about its content. Marco Rubio, who met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Malaysia, confirmed that “new ideas” were exchanged about how to end the war.
What exactly these ideas are? Still under wraps.
Conclusion: Promises Can’t Stop Missiles—Patriots Can
Ukraine doesn’t need more promises.
It needs real protection—and that’s what these Patriot air defence systems offer. For Zelensky, this deal is not just about politics or diplomacy. It’s about survival.
With Russian drones darkening the skies almost nightly, every new air defence battery could be the difference between life and death.
Let’s be honest: talk is cheap. Patriots are not—but they’re worth every cent.
