Axios: Trump promised Zelenskyy 10 Patriot missiles immediately
global.espreso.tv
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:51:00 +0300

Axios reported this, citing sources.The report notes that the 10 missiles are fewer than the batch whose delivery was paused. Still, Trump also told Zelenskyy he would help secure other sources of supply, according to the outlet.A day before the U.S.-Ukraine call, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz phoned Trump, urging him to unblock the delivery of interceptors. Merz also offered to have Germany buy Patriot batteries from the U.S. and send them to Ukraine.Trump, in turn, proposed that Germany sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Ukraine, with the U.S. and European allies splitting the cost. No agreement was reached, but officials say talks are ongoing.Axios writes that Trump believes European allies should send their own air defense systems instead of depending on the U.S."Getting a Patriot missile isn't like going to Walmart and picking 10 off the shelf and going home," one of Trump's advisers told Axios.Another Trump adviser said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has identified Patriot batteries in Germany and Greece that the U.S. is willing to finance and transfer to Ukraine. But the official added that these talks have dragged on for months.Axios reports that this week, Zelenskyy and his team are set to meet in Rome with Trump’s representative, Keith Kellogg. They expect more clarity on future U.S. arms supplies.BackgroundOn July 2, the U.S. suspended deliveries of some anti-aircraft missiles and precision weapons to Ukraine due to concerns over its own military stockpiles.The next day, reports said the U.S. Department of Defense continues advising President Trump on military aid to Ukraine.Later, media reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had unilaterally halted deliveries of certain weapons to Ukraine, even though analysis showed the shipments didn’t risk U.S. combat readiness.By July 8, Trump announced the U.S. would keep supplying arms to Ukraine. The Pentagon followed with a statement on new military aid.
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