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Donald Trump is planning to send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, saying it is the “diamond” necessary to protect the country from intensifying Russian air strikes.
In his most obvious comments about the possibility of sending advanced weapons to Ukraine, Trump suggested that the European allies pay the weapons because he renewed his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they will get some, because they need protection,” Trump told reporters late Sunday. “But we will send … we will send them the patriots, which they need strongly, because Putin surprised many people. He speaks well and then everyone explodes in the evening.”
Patriot systems of the United States are some of the most advanced air defense weapons in Washington and a major part of weapons UkraineDefenses against Russian attacks. They are the only air defense weapon in Kiev’s arsenal capable of shooting down the super sound ballistic missiles in Russia.
Trump’s comments came before a meeting with NATO Secretary -General Mark Roti at the White House on Monday.
Last week, the US president said he would have a “major declaration” to Russia on Monday.
On Sunday, he was asked whether he would announce sanctions against Russia on Monday, Trump said: “We will see what we will see tomorrow, well … but I am very disappointed with President Putin. I thought it was someone who said what he said.”
In recent weeks, Trump has expressed his increasing frustration with Russia’s definition of talks about a potential ceasefire that could pave the way for a long -term settlement.
Ukrainian President Voludmir Zelinski appealed for several months with Trump to sell national national defense systems in my country, and objectionable missiles that can shoot down Russian missiles and drones.
Last week, Kiev said that he had obtained agreements with Germany and Norway to buy three Patriot systems from the United States.
In addressing the role of NATO allies in buying weapons from the United States, Trump said late on Sunday: “We will basically send them different missiles, very sophisticated, military, and will pay us 100 percent for them, and this is the way we want.”
Russia has escalated its air war against Ukraine in recent weeks, as record numbers of suicide aircraft designed from Iran and uterine and ballistic missiles have launched. The drones have been updated to fly higher and faster, and to carry a larger and more destructive explosive load.
On Sunday, Zelinski said that he will discuss the needs and partnership of Ukraine with the United States with Keith Keel, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine. Kelog arrived on Monday morning in Kiev and will hold talks with the Ukrainian leader this week on Russian sanctions, hand over weapons and expand the scope of joint production between US weapons to US weapons.
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