'We want missiles too' — Trump responds to Zelensky's appeal for additional military aid
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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 6 that the United States "needs missiles too" when asked about President Volodymyr Zelensky's renewed calls for long-range missiles and Patriot air defense systems.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump also commented on former President Joe Biden's military support for Ukraine, claiming Biden had provided "so much" military assistance.
"We want missiles too," Trump said. "Biden gave (Zelensky) $300 billion worth of ammunition."
Trump argued that the military aid had depleted U.S. stockpiles, saying the country is now rebuilding its arsenal and relying on munitions it otherwise may not have needed to use.
When asked about Russia's increased attacks on civilian targets, Trump said the U.S. was not directly involved in the war.
"Look, we're not involved. We're separated by an ocean," Trump stated.
He noted, however, that he was troubled by the war's casualty toll.
"I hate to see 25,000 young people a month get killed," Trump said, claiming that Russia and Ukraine are losing "on average 25,000 people each month, mostly soldiers."
As Russia continues to increase the number of ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking ways to strengthen its defenses.
Zelensky has appealed to Trump for a license to produce Patriot air defense missiles domestically, while the White House said it has not yet made a final decision on the request.
