Zelensky says Trump made ‘final decision’ to give Ukraine Patriot licence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Friday that US President Donald Trump had made a final decision to grant Ukraine licences for the production of advanced Patriot air defence missiles. The Ukrainian leader explained this in a voice note to journalists. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine requires only 5% of the US Patriot interceptor missiles to survive the winter, and 10% to neutralize all of Russia's ballistic missiles.

During their last meeting, Trump assured Zelensky that he had made a final decision, allowing Ukraine to receive the production licences for the Patriot missiles. However, Trump's previous comments in July indicated a cautious approach, suggesting the US should be very careful before granting Ukraine the authorization to manufacture the advanced systems.

The acquisition of Patriot interceptors has been a major concern for Ukraine since the US and Israel began airstrikes against Iran in February. The diversion of these advanced systems to Iran has left Ukraine facing an acute shortage, which Zelensky highlighted in a recent speech. Even if Trump's decision is implemented, establishing the necessary industrial capacity would take more than a year and would not meet Ukraine's immediate needs.

In response to the ongoing threat of Russian strikes against Ukraine's power and heating infrastructure, Zelensky reiterated the need for urgent support from the international community. As Ukraine works on its own anti-ballistic systems, the Freya project, the president remains hopeful that the US will follow through on its promise to provide the necessary Patriot missile licences.