US Licensing Deal for Patriot Production Leaves Ukrainian Defenses Exposed for Months

President Trump has authorized Ukraine to manufacture the interceptors after sustained pressure, yet technical hurdles and lead times mean recent Russian ballistic strikes will continue to test depleted air shields.

The United States has cleared Ukraine to begin producing Patriot air defense missiles, a step President Trump confirmed after months of lobbying from Kyiv. The move comes as Russian officials separately announced plans to widen a security buffer zone, describing the step as a response to Ukrainian actions that they say are intensifying the fighting.

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