Trump to discuss licensing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles at Zelensky meeting
US President Donald Trump said he will discuss with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the possibility of granting Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot interceptor missiles during their meeting in New York. Washington had previously been cautious on the issue, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed talks are underway.
US President Donald Trump said the question of granting Ukraine licenses to produce missiles for Patriot air defense systems will be discussed during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York.
Reporters reminded Trump that he had previously announced the possibility of producing Patriot missiles in Ukraine and asked whether he could follow through on that promise. Trump replied that the matter would be discussed at his meeting with Zelensky.
"It's possible, we're discussing it, and we'll discuss it now... Very powerful production, I mean, we talk about it constantly, very talented people," Trump told reporters.
Earlier stance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier said Washington was negotiating with Kyiv over licensing the production of Patriot missiles.
However, it is worth noting that on July 31, Trump, commenting on the possibility of allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, said the US "has to be very careful" on this issue. Additionally, according to the Financial Times, in late July Trump turned down Zelensky's request for hundreds of additional Patriot interceptor missiles, citing US needs in the Middle East.
