Zelensky: Trump Approved Licenses for Ukraine to Produce Patriot Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 25, 2026 that US President Donald Trump, at their meeting in New York, informed him that he has made the final decision to grant Ukraine licenses to produce missiles for Patriot air defense systems.

Zelensky’s Statement

Zelensky made the announcement during an online briefing with journalists. He said this was one of the concrete outcomes of his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Patriot missile production licenses would allow Ukraine to manufacture its own supplies for the air defense system, significantly boosting its ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukraine has relied on Patriot systems supplied by the US and other allies, but has repeatedly faced ammunition shortages.

Significance

The decision marks a major step in US-Ukraine defense cooperation. Previously, Ukraine had to purchase or receive as aid the missiles needed to operate Patriot batteries. Domestic production would reduce dependency on Western supply chains and allow Ukraine to scale up its air defense capacity.