Patriot missiles are now on their way to Europe, with the intention of arming Ukraine.
General Alexus Grynkewich, the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, confirmed on Thursday, July 17th, that he is under instruction to deliver the Patriots to Ukraine as soon as possible—and that he considers Russia a persistent threat even in the event of a peace deal in the future.
While secretive about the logistical details, Grynkewich said that, with German assistance, Patriot systems already in Europe would move first before being replaced (‘backfilled’) from new U.S. production (purchased by the European Union).
The move follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States would supply Ukraine with the missile defence system, on Sunday, July 13th. Trump proposed that the EU should buy the advanced weapons system from the U.S. on behalf of Ukraine, amid renewed nighttime airborne aggression from Russia.
Speaking after the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, Trump declared
I haven’t agreed on the number yet, but they’re going to have some because they need protection, but the European Union is paying for it. We are not paying for anything, but we are going to send them. It will be a business for us and we will send them Patriots.
The renewed U.S. willingness to arm Ukraine seems to coincide with the failure of Vladimir Putin to comply with any American-set ceasefire deadlines. Instead, Russia has launched some of its heaviest-ever overnight missile bombardments and drone attacks since hostilities between the two countries commenced.
Trump’s delegates are now trying to lock down the terms of the deal, with special envoy Keith Kellogg visiting Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky to discuss resuming arms shipments. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, while Trump himself hosted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday, July 15th.
The Patriot missile system offers some of the most sophisticated methods for neutralising ballistic missiles, but it comes at a cost: somewhere between €920 and €1,380 million for a complete battery. The shift in Trump’s policy towards arming Ukraine could also come at the high human cost of prolonging the war.
General Grynkewich followed up his comments by predicting NATO conflict with Russia and China in 2027, at a time when Taiwan was conducting civil defence drills in preparation for a Chinese invasion.
