Donald Trump says Patriot missile technology is "hard thing to give away, that kind of technology"

Western officials believe Moscow is not preparing a traditional military assault on NATO, despite recent threats from Russian figures and a rare visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Russia. In their view, the warnings are meant to intimidate rather than signal real plans. The backdrop includes Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power infrastructure ahead of winter. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has asked the United States to hand over Patriot missile designs so Ukraine can manufacture the interceptor systems itself. Donald Trump responded last month with reservations about transferring such advanced technology. Brown added that Europe must take care not to enter a wider conflict with Russia.