US President Donald Trump has clarified that the United States has not yet approved Ukraine's request to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, partially walking back earlier remarks that had raised expectations in Kyiv about a possible technology-sharing agreement.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David retreat on Friday, Trump said discussions over the proposal are still underway, but stressed that transferring advanced American missile technology requires extreme caution.

"We have not agreed to that. We're talking about it, but it's a hard thing to give away that kind of technology. You have to be very careful," Trump said.

His latest comments come just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had received permission to begin domestic production of Patriot missile interceptors as part of efforts to strengthen its air defence capabilities against continued Russian missile attacks.

Earlier Promise Faces Uncertainty

During a meeting with Zelenskyy in Turkey earlier this month, Trump had reportedly indicated that Washington would provide Ukraine with a license to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles. The proposal was widely viewed as a significant step toward enhancing Ukraine's defence industry and reducing its dependence on foreign military supplies.

However, Trump's latest remarks suggest that no formal approval has been granted, leaving the proposal under review.

The US President also referred to Ukraine's broader military requests, including Patriot systems and Tomahawk missiles.

"It's a big step. President Zelenskyy would like Patriots and Tomahawks. One is defensive, one offensive. We have to be very judicious," Trump said.

Technology Transfer Raises Security Concerns

Trump argued that advanced military technology should not be transferred without considering long-term security implications.

He warned that although such scenarios may never occur, countries receiving sophisticated defence technology could eventually become strategic risks.

"I don't think this would ever happen, but there are people that you give that technology to; they can someday turn on you," he said.

The remarks reflect Washington's continued debate over balancing military support for Ukraine while safeguarding sensitive defence technologies.

Ukraine Faces Air Defence Challenges

Trump's comments come as Russia continues to intensify missile and drone strikes across Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that its existing stock of Patriot interceptor missiles is running low.

Patriot systems remain one of the few air defence platforms capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, making them a critical component of Ukraine's defence strategy.

For months, Ukraine has been pushing for a co-production arrangement involving the Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missile, allowing domestic manufacturing to improve long-term military readiness.

Negotiations Continue

Despite Trump's cautious position, discussions between Ukrainian officials and US defence partners remain active.

According to Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna, defence contractor Lockheed Martin, which manufactures Patriot PAC-3 missiles, remains committed to expanding cooperation with Ukraine.

Company executives recently met President Zelenskyy, and additional visits by Lockheed Martin representatives to Ukraine are expected in the coming weeks as negotiations continue.

While Kyiv remains hopeful that a production agreement can eventually be reached, Trump's latest remarks indicate that Washington has yet to make a final decision on sharing one of its most advanced missile technologies.