Trump Grants Ukraine License to Produce Patriot Missiles Amid NATO Summit in Ankara

During a joint press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 9, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant military aid development for Ukraine by granting Kyiv a license to produce Patriot missile interceptors. This move fulfills a long-standing Ukrainian request for authorization to manufacture this advanced defensive weapon system, which is crucial for intercepting ballistic missiles.

The exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky included a lighthearted moment when Trump asked if Zelensky would travel to Moscow. Zelensky replied with a joke about the danger posed by numerous Ukrainian drones in the air, implying such a trip would be risky. Trump concurred, acknowledging the difficulty of traveling to Moscow.

Trump emphasized the defensive nature of the Patriot missiles, stating, "I like this more than offensive weapons," and noted that the U.S. would facilitate cooperation with American defense companies to expedite production. He mentioned that companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, which have long developed and produced the Patriot system, would be involved, along with European missile manufacturer MBDA.

This announcement marks a shift in tone from Trump, who had previously criticized Zelensky but now described their relationship as "very good." Both leaders expressed a desire to end the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The license to produce Patriot missiles is expected to enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities significantly.

The announcement was welcomed in Washington amid ongoing tensions with Russia, which condemned the move. Ukraine continues to rely on advanced missile defense systems to counter the high-speed ballistic missile threats it faces in the conflict.