Trump: US 'needs missiles too' amid Zelensky's aid appeal

• President Donald Trump stated the U.S. "needs missiles too" in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's requests for more military aid.
• Trump claimed that previous U.S. military assistance to Ukraine had depleted American stockpiles.
• Trump estimated that Russia and Ukraine are losing an average of 25,000 people each month due to the conflict.
• Zelensky has requested a license from the U.S. to produce Patriot air defense missiles within Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on August 6 that the United States "needs missiles too" when questioned about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's renewed appeals for long-range missiles and Patriot air defense systems. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump asserted that former President Joe Biden had provided "so much" military assistance to Ukraine, claiming the country is now rebuilding its arsenal due to depleted stockpiles.

Trump also commented on the war's casualty toll, stating he was troubled by the conflict's impact and estimating that Russia and Ukraine are losing "on average 25,000 people each month, mostly soldiers." As Russia escalates its missile attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to bolster its defenses. Zelensky has specifically appealed to Trump for a license to domestically produce Patriot air defense missiles, a request the White House has stated has not yet received a final decision.

Earlier in 2026, President Trump had spoken about a critical minerals stockpile with $12 billion in initial funding, as Washington aimed to reduce reliance on China for rare earths and other resources.