Trump backtracks on Ukraine Patriot missile production deal

President Donald Trump has retreated from a commitment to allow Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot air defense interceptors, describing the transfer of such technology as "a hard thing to give away." The retreat occurred during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, the first such gathering of his second term.

Trump expressed concerns about the risk of advanced weapons turning against the U.S., noting the high speed of the interceptors. He stated that Washington would be building many plants to produce Patriots and Tomahawk missiles domestically, but not in Ukraine. This reversal is likely to concern Kyiv, which has been seeking both more interceptors and the capability to produce them amid global shortages.

The president also commented on the U.S. confrontation with Iran, vowing strong action and asserting that Iran lacks a navy and anti-aircraft capabilities. An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggests that two-thirds of the Pentagon's Patriot interceptors have been used, prompting a significant army contract with Lockheed Martin to replenish supplies.

Separately, Trump announced what he called a "historic" agreement for Hamas to disarm and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza, a claim not yet confirmed by Israel. An Israeli official indicated that no withdrawal would occur before Hamas fully disarms, a point of contention that has previously stalled negotiations.