Ukraine to receive US air defence systems, says Trump

July 11, 2025

President Trump has announced a new arrangement to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine through NATO, with NATO countries covering the costs. This announcement follows President Zelensky's request for 10 Patriot systems amid intensified Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. The US had previously paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine, raising concerns about depleting air defenses, but Trump has now committed to resuming aid after Ukraine experienced record drone attacks.

Who is affected

Ukrainian civilians and military (experiencing high casualties with 232 killed and over 1,300 injured in June)
Ukrainian cities and infrastructure under Russian attack
NATO member countries who will be funding the weapons
Russia (the target of potential new US policy to be announced Monday)
US defense system capabilities (redirecting a Patriot battery formerly based in Israel)

What action is being taken

The US is sending Patriot air defense systems to NATO for distribution to Ukraine
NATO is arranging to reimburse the full cost of the weapons
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging countries like Germany and Spain to transfer their existing Patriot batteries to Ukraine
A Patriot battery formerly based in Israel is being refurbished in the US for deployment to Ukraine
Russia is conducting intensified aerial attacks, including a record 728 drones in a single night

Why it matters

Patriot systems are critical for Ukraine's "layered defense" against Russian missile attacks
Each Patriot battery costs approximately $1 billion and allows Ukraine to protect more cities and key facilities
Without these systems, Ukraine would struggle to defend against Russia's bombardments
June saw the highest monthly civilian casualties in Ukraine in three years
The US has been Ukraine's biggest military aid provider ($69 billion from 2022-2024)
This represents a shift in Trump's approach after initially scaling back US support

What's next

Trump plans to make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday
Secretary Rubio will bring new ideas about ending the conflict, discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, back to Trump
Germany is preparing to pay for two Patriot systems and Norway for one, with other European partners also ready to help
NATO members will be working on financial arrangements to purchase replacement systems

Read full article from source: BBC