U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that recent strikes by Ukraine on Russian territory represent an escalation of the conflict, but could also help create conditions for its resolution.
The remarks by Donald Trump came during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit. “This is an escalation, but it is also an escalation that could help bring an end to this war,” Trump noted.
Plans for Patriot Production
Trump also announced plans to discuss with Zelensky the possibility of enabling Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense systems domestically. He explained that “we have significant influence over the companies” that manufacture the Patriot system and other advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk missiles.
“We will give you a license to produce them, and that’s great. This way, you won’t be able to say that we are not supplying them to you,” Trump added. When a journalist asked about Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense systems and how long it might take to produce them in Ukraine, Trump responded: “I think they can produce them very quickly.”
Conversation with Putin and Search for a Settlement
In this context, Donald Trump mentioned that he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin today. He also remarked that both Putin and Zelensky have challenging personalities, noting that both sides are seeking a settlement.
Source: Sky News Arabia
