Zelensky: Trump made the final decision to give us a license for Patriot missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that U.S. President Donald Trump informed him he would give Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles.

“At our latest meeting, President Trump emphasized that he himself made the final decision. Ukraine will receive licenses to produce Patriot missiles,” Zelensky said in a voice message to journalists. He is in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Zelensky and Trump met earlier this week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where the Ukrainian leader said they discussed possible steps that could lead to a de-escalation of tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war and “could open the way for diplomacy.”

“I am grateful that meanwhile, our teams continue to work on launching the production of missiles for the Patriot system,” Zelensky said.

Kyiv has long called on allies to secure Ukraine’s supply of more missile interceptors and has insisted on obtaining a license to produce Patriot missiles domestically, declaring them essential for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian ballistic missile attacks.

The Patriot missile system is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world, capable of providing area coverage and protection against ballistic missiles at a range of about 15 to 20 kilometers.