US President Donald Trump has rejected an offer from Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to purchase ten Patriot air defense systems, the German publication BILD reports. Kyiv expressed its readiness to purchase air defense systems to protect its cities from air attacks, but the American president did not support the initiative, emphasizing the priority of diplomatic negotiations with Russia. The rejection of a deal that could have strengthened Ukraine's defense capability highlights Washington's changing approach to the conflict and raises concerns in Kyiv, which had counted on continued military support.

Zelensky, according to the publication, proposed purchasing Patriot systems on a commercial basis, which could become an alternative to free military aid, which the US suspended in early 2025. The offer implied significant financial investments, but Trump reportedly considered it less important than reaching agreements with Moscow. The decision was another signal of a shift in the US administration's priorities, where economic and political interests apparently prevail over further involvement in the conflict. Kyiv fears that without access to advanced air defense systems, the protection of key facilities and the population will be at risk.

Tensions between Trump and Zelensky are growing amid a difficult international situation. According to Reuters, in March 2025, the United States temporarily froze arms supplies to Ukraine, which provoked a sharp reaction from Kyiv. Zelensky then said that without American support, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) were losing their ability to resist. In April, Zelensky again turned to Trump, emphasizing his readiness to purchase weapons for money, including air defense systems, and indicated the possibility of attracting European partners for financing. However, according to European Pravda, Trump in response hinted that Ukraine itself provoked the conflict and expressed skepticism about the advisability of Patriot supplies, saying that "you can't start a war counting on someone else's missiles."

The talks between Washington and Moscow, which Trump considers key, have already begun. According to The Wall Street Journal, in April 2025, US and Russian representatives met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible truce. Trump, as Politico notes, is seeking a quick resolution in order to focus on the confrontation with China and domestic politics. At the same time, according to the BBC, his refusal to support Ukraine is causing criticism among NATO allies who fear weakening the alliance's position in Europe. France and Germany, according to the Financial Times, have begun to look for alternative ways to supply air defense systems to Ukraine, but their resources are limited compared to the US