Trump Sends Patriots to Ukraine via NATO as Russian Strikes Surge

President Donald Trump on Friday, July 11, 2025, pledged to dispatch advanced air-defense weapons, specifically Patriot missile systems, to Ukraine, orchestrated through NATO and funded by its member states.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump confirmed: “we’re going to be sending Patriots to Nato, and then Nato will distribute that,” emphasizing that NATO, not the U.S. Treasury, would cover the costs.

Zelensky Welcomes Aid Boost Amid Rising Attacks

President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged a “positive dialogue” with Trump regarding the delivery of these systems, after urgently requesting ten Patriot batteries in response to an uptick in Russian drone and missile raids.

Speaking in Rome, Zelensky confirmed Germany would bankroll two Patriot batteries and Norway one, with additional European allies prepared to chip in.

He referred to the Patriots as “real protectors of life,” a statement underscored by a barrage of 728 drones targeting Ukraine on a recent Tuesday and record civilian casualties, 232 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries, in June alone, per UN reports.

Earlier Delays in Arms Shipments Spark Alarm

In previous weeks, the U.S. Department of Defense temporarily halted deliveries of critical ammunition and Patriot interceptor missiles.

The delay sparked anxiety in Kyiv that Ukraine’s air defenses could be exhausted within a few months.

However, following escalations in Russian attacks, Trump reversed course: “We have to… They’re getting hit very hard now,” he told NBC, indicating a significant ramp-up in support.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced this shift, urging European NATO members, particularly Germany and Spain, to transfer existing Patriot batteries, with NATO compensating them and facilitating rapid deployment to Ukraine.

What Is the Patriot System—and Why It Matters

Patriot batteries are among the world’s most capable air-defense platforms, able to detect, track, and neutralize incoming ballistic and cruise missiles.

Working alongside Soviet-era S-300 missiles and Western NASAMS units, these systems form part of Ukraine’s “layered defense” strategy.

With high interception rates and radar performance, Patriots are critical in defending urban areas, power plants, and military installations from Russian strikes.

Each battery, complete with launchers and missiles, costs around $1 billion (£740 million), a major investment that explains Western governments’ reluctance to release them.

Ukraine already operates multiple Patriots, its first arrived in April 2023—but the precise number currently in service remains confidential.

Additional batteries extend the protective shield over more cities and critical infrastructure, although Ukraine’s vast territory makes comprehensive defense impossible.

Israeli Battery to Be Refurbished for Ukraine

According to The New York Times, a Patriot battery previously stationed in Israel will be refurbished in the U.S. before being sent to Ukraine.

Kyiv has been anticipating this transfer, which has been in discussion for some time.

While Ukrainian officials recently suggested the battery had already arrived stateside, they await its deployment to the front lines.

Trump’s Ukraine Policy: A Course Correction?

Trump, who returned to the White House in January, had initially called for reduced U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.

Between 2022 and 2024, the U.S. was Ukraine’s primary military sponsor, contributing around $69 billion (£55 billion), according to Germany’s Kiel Institute.

Trump also pressed NATO allies to meet defense spending targets of 2% of GDP—commitments also aimed at reducing American financial burdens.

Nevertheless, after a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Trump expressed dissatisfaction over the stalled ceasefire talks, he has signaled plans to make a “major statement” on Russia this coming Monday, though details remain undisclosed.

On the sidelines of a meeting in Malaysia, Rubio stated both he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conducted “frank” discussions, sharing ideas for ending the war.

Rubio echoed Trump’s disappointment at the lack of Russian engagement in peace talks, and mentioned he would relay new conflict-resolution proposals to the President.

The Big Picture: NATO on the Frontline

Trump’s decision to route Patriot missile aid through NATO underscores a strategic shift.

Instead of direct U.S. support, NATO will act as the intermediary, with member nations collectively footing the bill.

Rubio explained this model could expedite delivery, especially if European allies contribute existing systems that can be replaced later with U.S.-funded purchases.

If realized, this plan could fast-track Ukraine’s reinforcement amid a growing crisis caused by intensified Russian aerial aggressions.

Conclusion

In shifting its delivery model for Patriot missile systems to one overseen by NATO, the West aims to strengthen Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities amid a surge in Russian drone and missile attacks.

This development follows a temporary hold on U.S. arms shipments, tightening supply concerns in Kyiv.

The refurbished Israeli Patriot battery adds further protection, while NATO reimbursement schemes seek burden-sharing among allies.

With a major Trump Russia announcement looming and ongoing NATO diplomacy under Secretary Rubio’s lead, Western support for Ukraine appears to be evolving at a critical juncture.

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