**US President Trump Promises to Send 10 Patriot Interceptors to Ukraine**
In a move aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s air defense, US President Donald Trump has promised to send 10 Patriot interceptors to the country. This is a smaller number than previously announced, but still a significant step in supporting Ukraine’s military efforts.
The development comes as Ukraine continues to face a severe threat from Russian aerial attacks, with hundreds of civilians killed or injured across multiple cities. The US and European allies have been under pressure to provide more substantial support to Ukraine’s air defense, particularly after the recent escalation of Russian missile and drone attacks.
**US and Germany to Split Cost of Patriot Sale**
In a conversation between Trump and German President Merz, it was proposed that Germany sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Ukraine. The US and European allies would split the cost of this purchase, according to Axios sources. While no agreement has been reached, officials on both sides say negotiations are ongoing.
**Criticism from Kyiv**
The suspension of US arms deliveries, including Patriots and precision-guided munitions, drew criticism from Kyiv. During a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump reportedly said he was not responsible for halting the aid. However, the Pentagon has confirmed that some military assistance to Ukraine had been halted as part of a review of foreign aid deliveries.
**US Military Readiness Not Jeopardized**
Despite internal Pentagon assessments that the move would not jeopardize US military readiness, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly halted the shipments unilaterally on July 2. The decision was widely criticized, with NBC News reporting that Hegseth’s actions went against Pentagon findings.
**Meeting to Discuss Resumption of Military Aid**
To address the stalemate in military aid deliveries, Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are set to meet in Rome later this week. This meeting aims to discuss resuming the stalled military aid, according to Politico.
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