Trump Dodges Question on Patriot Missile Production for Ukraine Amid Push for Peace Deal

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.

President Donald Trump on Saturday declined to confirm whether he agreed to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles to defend against Russian attacks, a claim made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a day earlier following their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Zelensky had told reporters on Friday that Donald Trump stated Ukraine would receive a license to produce the critical interceptors. However, when questioned by CNN on Saturday, Donald Trump steered the conversation toward urging both Ukraine and Russia to negotiate an end to the conflict.

"We talked about a lot of different subjects, and many of those subjects… very strong agreement," Donald Trump said. "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 reached out to the White House for clarification. Patriot interceptors remain crucial for taking down ballistic missiles, but global supply shortages have severely impacted Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Volodymyr Zelensky has persistently requested permission from the US to manufacture the interceptors locally. During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Volodymyr Zelensky referred to Vladimir Putin as "patient zero," warning of the dangers posed by unchecked Russian aggression.