Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that US President Donald Trump had decided to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, potentially giving Kyiv a domestic source for needed air defenses as Russian aerial attacks increase.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly this week, where Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s continued need for military support, saying, “The 21st century isn't much different than the past. If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It's sick, but that's the reality, not international law, not cooperation. Weapons decide who survives.”
Following his meeting with Trump, Zelensky told reporters that “concrete agreements” are in place to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles.
“During our last meeting, President Trump emphasized that, yes, I have made the final decision: Ukraine will receive a license to manufacture Patriot missiles,” Zelensky said.
Trump suggested he would grant Ukraine the right to begin producing their own Patriot missiles during the NATO summit in Turkey in July, but backed off the offer later.
Russia increases attacks on Ukraine, with many civilians killed
Russia ramped up its aerial attacks on Ukraine over the summer with near-constant attacks over the last month.
Friday, Russian drones killed seven civilians, including an Israeli teenager, in Kyiv. The strike also placed Ukraine’s largest steelmaker out of operation.
Russia has said it targeted Ukrainian defense industry facilities in the attack.