US President Donald Trump has stated that his administration will send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, but through a NATO-managed route. In an interview with NBC News, Trump explained that the United States would deliver the Patriot systems to NATO, which would then oversee their distribution. According to him, “NATO is going to reimburse the full cost,” signaling that member countries, not the US alone, would bear the financial burden.
Trump’s remarks followed recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described the talks as a “positive dialogue” focused on the timely delivery of arms. Zelensky had previously requested ten Patriot systems in response to a rise in Russian missile and drone attacks on major Ukrainian cities.
Patriot batteries are among the most advanced missile defence systems globally, capable of intercepting and destroying incoming cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stressed their importance for safeguarding civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
NATO Allies Offer Support; Israel-Based Patriot Battery Also Expected
President Zelensky, speaking during a visit to Rome, mentioned that Germany had agreed to finance two Patriot batteries and Norway one, with other European nations also showing readiness to contribute. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged allies like Germany and Spain to release existing Patriots from their inventories. He noted that these systems could reach Ukraine faster than new units.
Rubio added that the US was working on financial agreements allowing allies to order replacements for systems transferred to Ukraine. This approach would enable faster deployment without depleting NATO’s overall defence capability.
The New York Times reported that a Patriot battery formerly stationed in Israel is expected to be refurbished in the United States before heading to Ukraine. Negotiations around this battery have been ongoing. Last month, a Ukrainian official confirmed that the system had arrived in the US, although Kyiv was still waiting for its delivery.
Patriot systems, alongside Soviet-era S-300 and Western-supplied Nasams systems, form the core of Ukraine’s layered air defence. These defences aim to shield urban centers, military facilities, and infrastructure from Russian aerial assaults.
Air Defences Strained as Attacks Intensify
Trump’s announcement comes amid growing concern over Ukraine’s air defence stockpile. The US Department of Defense reportedly paused shipments of key equipment last week, including Patriot interceptor missiles and precision-guided artillery shells. The delay alarmed Ukrainian officials, who feared a potential gap in their defence capabilities.
Following a spike in Russian drone attacks—including a record 728 drones launched on a single night—Trump stated, “We have to [send more weapons]. They’re getting hit very hard now.”
Zelensky described the Patriot systems as “real protectors of life” and warned that Russia may soon increase drone barrages to 1,000 per night. June 2025 marked the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine in three years, with 232 deaths and over 1,300 injuries reported by the United Nations.
Despite Western pledges, transferring Patriot systems remains a logistical and political challenge. A single battery, complete with interceptor missiles, can cost up to $1 billion—making nations cautious about parting with their stock.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces are already trained in the operation of Patriot systems. The first deliveries arrived in April 2023 after extensive requests from Kyiv. While the total number of units in service remains classified, each new battery allows Ukrainian forces to extend coverage to more cities and infrastructure targets.
Though Ukraine’s territory is vast, and complete protection remains unlikely, the recent uptick in aerial attacks has reinforced the sense of urgency among its Western partners. Whether the NATO-managed transfer will accelerate the delivery timeline remains to be seen.