The possibility of allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot systems is causing concern within the US administration, where officials fear such a move could put Washington’s military advantages at risk. The issue stems from a pledge by US President Donald Trump, The Atlantic reported, citing an unnamed White House official.

Washington is still discussing the possibility of granting Kiev a license to manufacture missiles for Patriot systems, Reuters reported earlier. Those talks have continued despite Trump publicly questioning whether such an agreement would be appropriate.

According to The Atlantic, the United States has considered several forms of defense-industrial cooperation with Ukraine. Administration officials, however, believe that authorizing Patriot production could affect US national security interests and erode military advantages currently held by Washington.

Protecting missile-interceptor technology remains a priority for the United States, the administration official said. At the same time, Washington plans to expand production of the most important types of weapons needed by both the US military and the country’s partners and allies.

Trump also continues to seek an end to the conflict in Ukraine. According to the official, the US president believes the United States is the only country capable of playing that role.