President Donald Trump on Wednesday sidestepped a direct question from a Ukrainian journalist about when promised U.S. Patriot air defense systems would arrive in Ukraine, turning instead to broader remarks about the war and his efforts to end it.
The exchange came during a press availability when the journalist noted that Kharkiv had been targeted the same day and pressed Trump on the delivery of 17 Patriot systems he announced two months earlier.
“Where are you from?” Trump asked.
“Ukraine,” the reporter replied.
“I love Ukraine, I love the people of Ukraine,” Trump said. “That’s why I thought there was a little Ukrainian accent. But the country is in serious trouble. It’s a war that should have never happened. But I’m going to get it stopped.”
Trump went on to claim he had halted “seven wars in the last eight months” and argued that stopping the conflict in Ukraine had proven more complicated. He pointed to what he described as “tremendous hatred” between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I thought that would have been the easiest because I know Putin,” Trump said. “But it’s not… But we’re going to get it stopped.”
President Trump did not address whether the Patriot systems had been delivered or when Ukraine might receive them. His remarks come as Ukrainian cities continue to face heavy Russian bombardments, with Kharkiv hit again on Wednesday.
The question underscored Kyiv’s urgent need for advanced air defenses, particularly after months of repeated promises from Washington. Trump’s comments, however, left unclear whether the systems are on the way — or if their delivery has stalled.
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