Trump Says US Has Not Agreed to Ukraine Producing Patriot Missiles

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States has not agreed to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles. Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the Camp David retreat, Trump said the U.S. must be very careful about letting someone build the interceptors because it is a big step to give away that kind of technology. He expressed concern that people given such technology could someday turn on the U.S.

This statement contradicts previous claims and remarks. Trump had previously suggested during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey this month that he would provide a license for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors. Zelensky also claimed following a White House meeting earlier this week that Trump had agreed to the license. Trump has since backed away from that pledge, though he noted that talks are ongoing.

Ukraine has long sought a co production agreement for Patriot PAC-3 missiles to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks, which have increased in frequency. Ukrainian ambassador Olha Stefanishyna stated on Thursday that she remains confident in the commitment of Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the missiles, to deepen cooperation with Ukraine. During the Camp David remarks, Trump also mentioned that Zelensky would like to have Tomahawks, which he described as lethal and offensive, while the Patriots are defensive.