Russian President Vladimir Putin said over the weekend of May 3 that he hopes nuclear weapons won’t be needed in Ukraine, even as Russian strikes continue across the country. That same day, The New York Times reported that the U.S. is sending a refurbished Patriot missile system to Ukraine and weighing additional transfers from Europe to bolster Kyiv’s air defenses.
Putin: ‘I hope’ nuclear weapons won’t be needed
In comments aired on Russian state television and reported by PBS on Sunday, May 4, Putin said that so far there has been no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine — and that he hopes there never will be.
“There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons,” he said, according to a PBS report, adding, “and I hope they will not be required.”
Putin also stated Russia has the strength to end the war on its terms. “
We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires,” Putin said.
The comments were part of a Russian state media documentary marking Putin’s 25 years in power.
Speaking separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a Sunday news conference that a ceasefire could begin at any time if Russia is serious about ending the war.
“We believe that a ceasefire is possible at any moment, even starting today, and should last at least 30 days to give diplomacy a real chance,” Zelensky told reporters.
He added that he did not believe Putin’s Russia would take “real practical steps to end the war” without “increased pressure” from the West. He also voiced skepticism concerning Moscow’s short-term truce offers tied to upcoming Victory Day celebrations.
During the week of April 28, the Kremlin offered to pause attacks from May 8-10, coinciding with Russia’s WWII commemorations. Zelenskyy said Russia has continued launching major offensives despite similar ceasefire claims, including during Easter.
Meanwhile, Russian drone and missile attacks continue to batter Ukrainian cities. A strike on Kyiv early Sunday, May 4, injured 11 people, including two children, and sparked fires in residential buildings. Local officials also reported civilian deaths from Russian airstrikes in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy.
US sending another Patriot air defense system
Also on Sunday, The New York Times first reported that the United States is transferring a refurbished Patriot Air Defense Missile System from Israel to Ukraine. U.S. officials confirmed the move as part of efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses in response to escalating Russian missile and drone attacks. The system is undergoing maintenance and is expected to arrive by summer.
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Each U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system costs at least $1 billion to build and requires approximately 90 personnel to operate.
Talks have been underway to secure additional Patriot units from European allies, including Germany and Greece. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, Germany and Greece hold about 15 of the 40 Patriot systems stationed in Europe. Reuters reported that Greece declined to send any of its Patriot systems.
According to the Times, Ukraine currently operates eight Patriot systems: six active and two under repair. The incoming system through Israel would bring the total to nine; a potential German contribution could raise that to 10. These systems are primarily deployed to protect Kyiv and other major population centers.
Why is Ukraine asking for more?
Zelenskyy urged Western partners to expand Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. He recently offered to purchase 10 additional Patriot systems for $15 billion, emphasizing the country’s willingness to buy rather than rely on aid. The urgency increased after a Russian missile strike on April 24 killed at least 13 people in Kyiv and wounded nearly 90. Analysts say Russia is trying to exhaust Ukraine’s air defenses by launching massive, coordinated strikes.
Has Trump’s stance changed?
President Donald Trump previously criticized Zelenskyy’s repeated requests for U.S. weapons. However, he softened his position following recent attacks. He publicly condemned the April 24 strike and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop targeting civilians. Trump has since questioned Moscow’s sincerity in peace talks and met with Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral in late April, where they reportedly discussed Patriot systems and a minerals deal aimed at funding future military aid.
Last week, the Trump administration told Congress it intends to send $50 million worth of defense-related goods to Ukraine.
What’s the global demand for Patriots?
Patriot systems are among the most sought-after missile defense platforms in the world. Roughly 186 are deployed globally, with the United States controlling about a third. These systems defend U.S. allies in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. Each battery costs at least $1 billion and requires about 90 personnel.
