Trump to send patriot missiles to Ukraine
US president Donald Trump has announced plans to send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday, Trump criticised Russian president Vladimir Putin for being “all talk” and bombing civilians “in the evening”.
Trump did not specify how many missile systems would be sent but stressed the US would be fully reimbursed, likely by the European Union.
"We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment. They are going to pay us 100 per cent for that, and that's the way we want it," he said.
“I am very disappointed with President Putin”
The announcement follows growing frustration in Washington over Putin’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire, despite Trump’s attempts to mediate. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly appealed for more air defences amid relentless missile and drone strikes, including Russia’s largest drone assault to date last week.
Trump, who is set to meet NATO secretary general Mark Rutte this week, declined to confirm whether he would announce new sanctions on Monday, but said: “We’ll see tomorrow.” He also said he was “very disappointed with President Putin”.
© PHOTO ALLISON ROBBERT / AFP
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