Trump Shuts Down Zelensky’s Request to Buy Patriot Missiles
On April 14, U.S. President Donald Trump turned down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer to buy American-made Patriot air defense systems. Trump brushed off the request, saying Zelensky is “always looking to purchase missiles” and accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia a claim that’s simply not true.
Trump’s comments came after Zelensky spoke with CBS News, where he offered to pay for 10 Patriot systems, which cost around $1.5 billion each, to help protect Ukrainian cities from constant Russian attacks. Zelensky made it clear Ukraine wasn’t asking for freebies and was ready to cover the full $15 billion cost.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies to step up air defense support as Russia continues to escalate its air strikes the latest one on April 13 killed 35 civilians in Sumy.
Trump hasn’t approved any new aid for Ukraine and even put a pause on military assistance last month, trying to pressure Ukraine into accepting a minerals deal. He also cast doubt on Zelensky’s leadership, claiming without evidence that the war was started by just three people: Russia’s Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Joe Biden, and Zelensky himself.
In reality, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, while Zelensky had publicly called for peace talks beforehand.
Trump did call Russia’s recent deadly attack on Sumy “terrible” but oddly suggested it was a mistake offering no proof for that claim either.
Earlier this year, Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-suggested 30-day ceasefire, but Russia rejected it, demanding harsh limits on Ukraine’s military. Since then, Moscow has only increased its attacks while pushing for more extreme conditions.
Though Trump has expressed frustration over Russia’s aggression, he’s avoided hitting Moscow with serious sanctions or taking strong action.
Trump Calls Out Zelensky’s ‘Missile Shopping Spree’ as He Rejects Patriot Sale
