How Ukraine Became a ‘Model Ally’

On July 28, Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a cordial meeting in the White House. Zelensky sought a license to manufacture Patriot surface-to-air interceptor missiles. However, just two days later, Trump dismissed any positive expectations during an interview with the Financial Times, stating that licensing the system should be done "with a little bit of caution regarding who we license to," implying that Ukraine may not be trustworthy.

Two weeks later, Zelensky posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump had agreed to grant the licenses, suggesting that the United States would be producing Patriots for everyone if they had received them four years ago. As of now, there is no confirmation from Washington on the license agreement. Nonetheless, granting this request would make sense considering Ukraine's military evolution.

Trump's attitude toward Ukraine has never been favorable, but he occasionally shows willingness to assist. A phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin or a visit by Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow seems to rekindle his hostility toward Ukraine, along with his hope that Putin is serious about pursuing peace. The situation has changed since the talk of a Patriot license and the request for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Trump publicly declined during a White House visit from Zelensky in October.

Ukraine has become more autonomous, producing many of its own weapons and holding off Russian advances. The country has even taken the war to Russia, despite having fewer soldiers and resources than its enemy. These accomplishments have led Ukraine to be seen as an invaluable source of military technology and know-how rather than a NATO supplicant.

With its strong military position, Ukraine demonstrates the potential to become a crucial node in America's military supply chain, making it a "model ally."