President Trump declined to confirm whether he approved a license allowing Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, a claim made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after their meeting at the U.N. General Assembly. Trump acknowledged discussing the interceptors but emphasized his desire for a negotiated settlement between Kyiv and Moscow. Patriot systems are among the few capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, and global supply shortages have limited Ukraine's access. Recent Russian strikes, including deadly drone attacks in Kyiv, have underscored Ukraine's urgent need for air defenses.
Trump Stops Short Of Granting Ukraine License To Build Patriot Missiles, Urges Settlement With Putin
Ukrainian soldiers stand at a military training ground in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, on June 11, 2024, during training on the "Patriot" air defense missile system. - Jens Büttner/picture alliance/Getty Images
President Donald Trump on Saturday declined to confirm whether he had agreed to permit Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors — contradicting a claim made a day earlier by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York earlier this week. Zelensky told reporters on Friday that, during their discussion, Trump said Ukraine "will receive a license to manufacture Patriot missiles."
When asked by CNN on Saturday whether a licensing agreement had been reached, Trump acknowledged that the interceptors were discussed but did not explicitly confirm Zelensky's account. He instead shifted the focus to urging a negotiated settlement between Kyiv and Moscow.
"We talked about a lot of different subjects, and many of those subjects… very strong agreement," Trump said, shortly before departing the White House for a college football game in Tennessee. "But you know what I want him to do? Make a deal. I want him to settle with Putin, and I want Putin to settle with him."
CNN has reached out to the White House for clarification on Trump’s remarks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participates in a meeting with US President Donald Trump during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22. - Kylie Cooper/Reuters
Why Patriot Interceptors Matter
Patriot interceptors are among the limited number of systems capable of taking down ballistic missiles. Global demand for these systems has surged, creating a supply crunch that has affected deliveries to multiple countries — including Ukraine, which has sought additional defenses amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Zelensky has repeatedly lobbied for U.S. approval to allow Ukraine to produce the interceptors domestically or through arrangements involving American companies; he seized on comments from Trump in July that suggested such a framework might be possible.
Rising Toll Amid Renewed Attacks
Without sufficient Patriot coverage, Ukraine has struggled to repel a recent onslaught of Russian strikes. The country has seen casualties rise, including seven people killed on Friday during a series of daytime drone attacks in Kyiv.
Speaking to the U.N. General Assembly this week, Zelensky labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin "patient zero," warning that greater freedom for Putin to act makes the world more dangerous for everyone.
Reporting note: CNN's Charlotte Reck contributed to this story. CNN has contacted the White House for comment.
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