US President Donald Trump has handed over about 90 missiles for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. The missiles were taken from a US military base in Israel.
Politicians’ actions are more important than their words. The transfer of defensive weapons to Ukraine is a reference point that demonstrates Trump’s intentions. Since his inauguration, Donald Trump has been quite peaceful about Russia, calling for negotiations and even talking about his love for the Russian people. But at the same time, he has emphasized the possibility of imposing additional sanctions, taxes, and duties on the Putin regime.
However, words are words, and actions speak volumes. Since Trump took office, military aid to Ukraine has not stopped – supplies are still being delivered. Although, if Trump wanted to, only one decree was enough to stop them.
And about missiles.
The Patriot air defense system was first transferred to Israel during the first Gulf War more than 30 years ago. Gradually, this system became less relevant as Israel developed its own air defense systems, such as: “Iron Dome” and “Sling of David”. Most of the Patriot batteries were used for training or remained in storage. In addition to Israel’s own systems, the United States has deployed the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system.
Therefore, in April 2024, Israel decommissioned the Patriot air defense system. Accordingly, discussions have since begun about the transfer of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did his best not to transfer the missiles to Ukraine, trying to maintain good relations with dictator Putin, despite the fact that Putin supplies weapons to numerous enemies of Israel.
But with Trump’s arrival in the White House, the situation has begun to change. Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza is a separate issue. But right after the unused Patriot systems, cargo C-17s flew to Israel from the United States and transported the missiles to the Polish city of Rzeszow, and from there to Ukraine. The launchers themselves were sent to the United States, where they will be modernized and then shipped to Ukraine.
Perhaps Donald Trump is trying to gradually and smoothly create circumstances in which dictator Putin will be forced to make concessions? But will Trump succeed? Will those who allowed Putin to start this war and continue to want to strengthen Russia at the expense of Ukraine be able to counteract it?
