Ukrainians Cautiously Welcome Trump’s Announcement About Patriot Missile Systems
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-09 09:57:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump’s Shifting Stance on Ukraine: Promises, Praise for Putin, and a New Patriot Pledge
President Trump’s approach to Ukraine has been marked by sharp reversals and unpredictable rhetoric, leaving both allies and adversaries uncertain about his true intentions. This week, expectations were low for Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey—a reflection of Trump’s history of “zigging and zagging” on support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
During the meeting, Trump made a surprise announcement: the United States would license Ukraine to produce Patriot air-defense systems. “That’s really cool, right?” Trump said. “This way you can’t complain that we’re not giving them enough.” The announcement was met with cautious optimism in Kyiv, where skepticism remains high. As one Kyiv resident put it, “Words are not actions. When he will actually give it, I will say, ‘Well done.’”
Trump’s record on Ukraine is fraught with contradictions. He has previously claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, described Zelensky as a “dictator without elections,” called him ungrateful, and berated him in the Oval Office. At the same time, Trump has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, sometimes echoing Putin’s demands. Last month, Trump asserted that the United States had “nothing to do with” the war in Ukraine, despite the country’s ongoing requests for military aid.
Analysts suggest Trump’s apparent shift toward supporting Ukraine may be motivated by recent Ukrainian successes on the battlefield. “If I understand President Trump’s logic, he always wants to be on the winning side,” said Viktor Shlinchak, head of the Institute of World Policy. However, the reality is that manufacturing Patriot systems is a complex, years-long process, and Ukraine’s immediate needs remain unmet.
Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy has forced Ukraine to become more self-reliant, accelerating domestic weapons production and forging new international partnerships. Meanwhile, Zelensky has publicly criticized the United States for slow weapons deliveries and shifting focus to other global conflicts.
The bottom line: Trump’s latest promise to license Patriot production is a significant gesture, but his history of erratic statements and shifting loyalties has left many Ukrainians wary. As the war continues, Ukraine’s leaders and citizens are watching closely to see if Trump’s words will finally translate into meaningful action.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/09/world/europe/ukraine-patriots-trump-russia.html