US President Donald Trump rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request to provide Kiev with 300 anti-missile Patriot systems to counter ballistic threats expected this winter. This was reported by The Atlantic, referring to sources familiar with the negotiations.
According to the newspaper, the Ukrainian side had requested 300 anti-missiles to protect energy infrastructure and repel possible attacks in the winter months, but Trump did not support that request.
Instead of supplying ready-made anti-missiles, the US president proposed to give Ukraine a license to organize its own production of Patriot anti-missiles. At the same time, it is noted that Kiev will not be able to start their serial production for many years.
The Atlantic also writes that during a meeting with Trump, Zelensky asked to allow the use of the Starlink satellite network to strike Russian territory. According to him, it is necessary to hit small and mobile targets, in particular, batteries of ballistic missiles.
The request was made on July 28 in the part of the negotiations held at the White House, which was closed for journalists. According to the sources, Trump did not give a clear answer, stating that he will study the issue.
In an interview with the Financial Times on July 31, Trump stated that he has not yet decided whether Washington will grant Kiev a license to manufacture Patriot missiles, but such a possibility is being discussed.
In an interview with Axios on July 29, Zelensky publicly asked Trump to provide 300 Patriot anti-missiles. He also reported that the Ukrainian side is discussing with American military industrial companies the possibility of converting Ukrainian-made ballistic missiles into anti-missiles comparable to the Patriot.
