Trump Backtracks on Ukraine Patriot Missile License, Cites Technology Concerns
On Friday, President Donald Trump made it clear that the US hasn't approved Ukraine's request to produce Patriot missiles, despite earlier hints that he might consider it. During a cabinet meeting at Camp David, he emphasized the need to be careful with advanced weaponry, saying, "You have to be very judicious, but you have to be very careful. Now we have not agreed to that." Trump expressed worries that those receiving such technology might eventually turn against the US. His remarks follow a promise made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey earlier this month about a license for missile production, which he has now backtracked on, even after hosting Zelensky at the White House.
Key facts
- Trump said the US has not agreed to Ukraine building Patriot missiles.
- Earlier this month, Trump told Zelensky in Turkey he would give Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot interceptors.
- Trump hosted Zelensky at the White House this week.
- Trump made the remarks during a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday.
- Trump expressed concerns about sharing advanced US weaponry, including missile technology.
- Trump mentioned Zelensky's interest in Patriots and Tomahawks, calling them 'lethal – one offensive, one defensive.'
- Trump said the US must be 'very careful' about letting someone build the interceptors.
- Trump warned that recipients of technology could 'someday turn on you.'
Entities
Institutions
- Lockheed Martin
- Reuters
Locations
- United States
- Ukraine
- Turkey
- Camp David
- White House
- Kielce
- Poland