US may transfer Patriot to Ukraine

According to TASS on July 9, the Wall Street Journal cited sources saying that US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of transferring another Patriot air defense system to Kiev.

The publication notes that this could be the first major arms supply to Ukraine, a decision made by the administration of the current leader, and not by former President Joe Biden.

The White House has asked the Pentagon for information on the possibility of sending more military aid to Ukraine, according to the Wall Street Journal. In addition, US officials are exploring whether other Western countries could also send air defense systems to Ukraine.

In total, Ukraine has received three Patriot systems from the US, three from Germany and one from several European countries. The Wall Street Journal said it is not yet known how many interceptor missiles the US and its allies can allocate to Kiev, as the conflict in Ukraine and military operations in the Middle East have depleted their arsenals of such weapons.

Earlier, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the US had never withheld assistance to Ukraine and intended to continue providing it. In response to a request for comment on the US administration’s plans to resume arms supplies to Kiev, Ms. Bruce said the recent pause should not be seen as a “new approach or stance” by Washington.

During a cabinet meeting at the White House on July 8, President Donald Trump said that “it will be a little surprise for Russia” when commenting on future actions against Moscow. At the same time, Mr. Trump refused to answer what steps Washington planned to take.

Commenting on the prospect of Congress passing a Senate bill on new sanctions against Russia, President Trump said, “it is absolutely my choice,” and Congress will accept it.

The US leader added that he was “very closely” studying the bill.