Overview

• President Trump overturned a Pentagon pause by ordering immediate shipments of roughly ten Patriot missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
• The reversal followed recent phone talks with President Zelenskyy and a direct plea from German Chancellor Merz for air-defense support.
• US stockpiles of Patriots had dipped to an estimated 25 percent of required levels, prompting last week’s temporary suspension.
• The Kremlin denounced the renewed aid as a move to prolong the conflict and Russia’s foreign minister reiterated strict peace preconditions.
• Trump urged European allies to step up their own contributions of air-defense systems as Ukraine endures intensified Russian drone and missile strikes.