U.S. President Donald Trump reversed his position on granting Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air defense missiles. Speaking at a cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump announced that the transfer of this technology would 'probably never' happen.
"This technology is extremely advanced and vital for the U.S.," Trump said. "We must be very careful when considering transferring it to another country." The U.S. President added: "We have not yet approved such a thing in our talks, and therefore I think giving such technology to others will probably never happen."
Following His Pledge in Ankara
This statement contradicts the promise Trump previously made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a meeting with Zelenskyy at the NATO Summit held in Ankara months ago, Trump had said: "We will give Ukraine the right to produce Patriot missiles, and we will show you how to do it. We will give you the license."
On July 28, after meeting Trump in Washington, Zelenskyy told U.S. media that the U.S. would grant his country a license to produce Patriot missiles.
Trump's latest statement shows that Washington is adopting a more cautious approach to military support for Ukraine.