Putin’s Pains, Patriot Gains: ‘Frustrated’ Trump Unleashes Patriots On Ukraine, Dimming Ceasefire | World News
In a dramatic change in US policy toward the Russia-Ukraine war, President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States would be sending a large new consignment of arms to Ukraine, including sophisticated Patriot Missile Defense Systems. It follows as Trump spoke of great frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that while phone calls with Putin are “nice,” he always “turns around and begins bombing Ukraine very badly.”
Trump’s action is a landmark event in the current war, with his previous efforts within the first few months of his tenure to arrange a truce with Putin coming to nought time and again. With this new policy, America will provide the weapons, with the funds coming from the member nations of NATO. The first shipment is likely to comprise a large amount of heavy artillery, including the very capable Patriot Missile Defense Systems and batteries.
The Patriot Missile Defense System, official name Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT), is a sophisticated mobile surface-to-air missile system of the United States. It was originally produced by Raytheon and introduced in the 1980s. Its main role is to counter airborne threats like hostile aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. The system can also detect short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and certain hypersonic missiles, such as Russia’s Kinzhal missile.
Major Features Of The Patriot System
Radar System: Its powerful phased-array radar is capable of tracking more than 100 targets simultaneously, allowing for accurate missile targeting.
Launchers: A single Patriot battery has 4-8 launchers, which can fire various types of missiles.
Missiles: Different interceptor missiles are used in the system:
PAC-2: Developed with an explosive warhead for larger targets.
PAC-3: Utilises “hit-to-kill” technology for smaller, quicker, and more precise targets.
Command And Control Center: The brain of the system that processes radar information and manages missile fire.
Range & Altitude: PAC-3 missiles operate around 20-35 km, while PAC-2 missiles have a range of 70-160 km. They can attack targets at altitudes of up to 24 km.
Speed: PAC-3 missiles have a speed of up to Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) to reach targets.
Automation: The system can function in automated or manual mode to provide fast response capabilities.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies for additional air defense systems to defend its key infrastructure and civilian zones against Russian missile and drone attacks. Though effective against missiles and planes, employing Patriots to intercept cheaper drones is a costly endeavor. However, Ukrainian officials contend that they are necessary for protecting important locations from Russia’s increasing long-range attacks. Russia, meanwhile, sees the delivery of Patriot systems as a direct provocation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in May that sending additional systems to Ukraine would reduce chances of peace.
Ceasefire Prospects Diminish
Trump’s promise to deliver Patriot missiles deeply pessimises the possibilities of a ceasefire in the three-year war. Ukraine is not ready to accept Russia’s terms for a ceasefire, including withdrawal of the military from four areas and Crimea, the distancing of itself from NATO, and the protection of the Russian language and culture. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already turned these down, calling for a full and unconditional ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian forces in its entirety, and the investigation of war crimes.
President Trump in May 2025 made a statement that Russia and Ukraine would forthwith initiate ceasefire talks, but Putin insisted on not establishing a timeline, citing the need to put an end to the “roots of the war.” Trump later admitted by July 2025 that nothing had been achieved, admitting that Russia’s conditions were as good as Ukraine surrendering. The incessant drone attacks from Russia and retaliations by Ukraine have further intensified the tension. As both sides are confronting opposing demands and a deep-seated lack of confidence, the prospect of a ceasefire seems ever further away.
