War in Ukraine: Trump makes another U-turn and promises Patriot anti-aircraft systems to kyiv

He's not averse to a U-turn. Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States would send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, essential for Kyiv to defend itself against Russian strikes, at a time when relations between the American president and his Russian counterpart are deteriorating.

"We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need," he said, adding: "I haven't decided on the number yet, but they will get them because they need protection."

Donald Trump had previously told reporters he had "an important statement to make on Russia" on Monday, leaving the door open to tightening sanctions. The US president is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday, while US envoy Keith Kellogg is also scheduled to begin a new visit to Ukraine.

The arms delivery from Washington will be part of a deal involving NATO, which will pay the United States for weapons it will send to Ukraine, according to Donald Trump. "We're actually going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment, and they're going to pay us 100 percent for it," Donald Trump told reporters.

This announcement appears to be a U-turn, two weeks after Washington announced the suspension of certain arms deliveries to kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he had a telephone conversation with his American counterpart, during which they agreed to "strengthen the protection" of Ukrainian skies following a new massive attack by Russian drones and missiles on Ukraine.

The US president once again expressed his "disappointment" with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday. Since the beginning of his term, Donald Trump has tried to convince Vladimir Putin to negotiate to end the conflict in Ukraine.

But Russian strikes on Ukraine have intensified, and negotiations for a diplomatic solution to the conflict have stalled. "Putin has really surprised a lot of people. He talks nicely and then he bombs everyone at night," said a visibly disgruntled Donald Trump.

On the ground, Russian airstrikes against Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, and Moscow is breaking records every week for the number of missiles fired, supplied by a defense industry operating at full capacity.