Key facts
- President Donald Trump stated the U.S. has not agreed to Ukraine building Patriot missiles.
- Trump expressed concerns about sharing advanced U.S. weaponry and technology.
- Ukraine has sought a co-production agreement for Patriot PAC-3 missiles to defend against Russian strikes.
- Ukrainian officials have been discussing missile production details with Pentagon officials and industry executives.
- Lockheed Martin, the maker of PAC-3 missiles, is committed to deepening cooperation with Ukraine.
President Donald Trump stated that the United States has not agreed to Ukraine building Patriot missiles, despite earlier discussions about providing a license for such production. Trump emphasized caution regarding the sharing of advanced U.S. weaponry, citing concerns about the technology potentially being turned against the U.S. in the future.
Ukraine has been seeking a co-production agreement for Patriot PAC-3 missiles, which are crucial for intercepting ballistic missiles, as Russia has intensified its air attacks. Ukrainian officials have been engaged in discussions with Pentagon officials and industry executives since Trump's initial pledge to explore the details of such an arrangement.