Trump rejects Zelensky’s request for more Patriot missiles – FT

The US president has also cast doubt on allowing Ukraine to manufacture the interceptors under license US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected Vladimir Zelensky’s request for hundreds of additional Patriot interceptor missiles, the Financial Times has claimed, citing people familiar with the talks. The refusal comes as Washington has also cast doubt on plans to allow Ukraine to manufacture the weapons under license.According to the newspaper, Trump declined the request during an Oval Office meeting last week, citing shortages in US inventories and Washington’s own needs for the missiles amid the conflict with Iran. He has publicly rejected reports of munition shortfalls.Kiev has intensified its demands for Western air-defense missiles as Russian forces have stepped up strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial and logistics facilities in response to escalating terrorist attacks on Russian territory.Ukraine has repeatedly complained that it lacks enough Patriot interceptors. Zelensky recently instructed Ukrainian ambassadors to monitor missile stockpiles in their host countries and pressure governments to transfer weapons to Kiev.Trump had suggested at a NATO summit in Türki...