Part 7/12:
Trump also indicated openness to providing Ukraine with Patriot batteries, vital for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, though he stopped short of offering immediate financial aid. Zelensky responded by asserting Ukraine’s willingness to finance its military efforts independently if needed, highlighting Kyiv’s determination to bolster its defenses. The summit’s language also reflects a cautious shift in diplomacy: NATO's official declaration now omits explicit mention of Ukraine’s potential membership, instead emphasizing that Moscow remains a “long-term threat” to European security—a notable departure from previous rhetoric.