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RUSSIA has lashed out at Donald Trump after the US president agreed to send vital Patriot air defence systems to help Ukraine.
Trump told NBC News that “we’re going to be sending Patriots to NATO, and then NATO will distribute that”.
Kyiv has long sought to get more Patriots, which are regarded as among the best air defence systems in the world.
The White House’s announcement will come as a huge relief to Ukrainians as they continue to face relentless Russian missile and drone strikes.
But Russia has reacted furiously to the news, accusing Ukraine’s military backers of sponsoring “terrorist scum”.
Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova told the state-news agency TASS: “Those who supply weapons to the Kyiv regime become accomplices in the murder of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.”
She added that those supporting Ukraine‘s war effort “know the facts and continue to sponsor the terrorist scum”.
It comes as Donald Trump has voiced growing frustration with Vladimir Putin after following a call with Russia’s warmongering dictator.
Trump, who vowed to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of becoming president, has said he is “not happy” about progress in bringing the conflict to a close.
While Russian and Ukrainian representatives have met for peace talks, Putin’s forces have ramped up their brutal bombardments.
“I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” he told NBC.
Russian attacks on Ukraine have intensified over the past weeks, with hundreds of drones and missiles pounding the country’s major cities.
On Tuesday night, Ukraine was hit by a record 728 drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of a “positive dialogue” with Trump on making sure Kyiv received vital military aid promptly.
He said on Monday: “Air defense remains the top priority for protecting lives.
“We are also actively advancing agreements on investing in our domestic weapons production, including all types of drones.
“Special focus is on interceptor drones.”
The new deal is expected to see weapons sold to NATO allies in Europe, which can then be supplied to Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington continues “to encourage our NATO Allies to provide those weapons” since they have them in stocks.
“Then we can enter into financial agreements with us where they can purchase the replacements,” he added.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “Russia’s continued massive attacks against Ukrainian civilians are deplorable.
“I’ve spoken with President Trump and am working closely with allies to get Ukraine the help they need.”
It comes after Moscow confirmed the death of another top Russian military chief.
The death of Colonel Sergei Ilyin, commander of Russia‘s notorious 155th Marine Brigade, has been revealed by authorities.
The 155th has been accused by Kyiv of committing numerous war crimes in Ukraine – including during the occupation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostome.
