Zelensky Seeks Tomahawk Missiles in washington as trump Pursues Dialog with putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US president Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, as the US leader weighs providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, a move Moscow has warned would be a meaningful escalation.The meeting occurred a day after Trump reported “great progress” in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders agreeing to future face-to-face discussions in Hungary.
Zelensky’s visit marks his third trip to Washington since January, underscoring Ukraine’s continued reliance on US support amidst the ongoing conflict. Upon arrival, Zelensky stated that Moscow appeared eager to resume dialogue “as soon as it hears about Tomahawks,” highlighting the strategic importance of the advanced missile system.
The Tomahawk, with a range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles), would significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory.
Trump’s approach to Russia has evolved during his second term. Initially perceived as sympathetic towards Moscow,he has recently adopted a firmer stance,though he continues to prioritize direct engagement. A previous attempt at a summit in alaska in August failed to yield a breakthrough in peace negotiations, prompting Trump to interrupt a meeting with Zelensky and European leaders to speak directly with Putin.
hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban echoed the call for dialogue, stating that “peace requires patience, strength, and humility.” He believes Europe must shift its position and engage in negotiations with Russia, adding that the planned meeting in Budapest is “great news for the peace-loving people of the world.” Orban also confirmed he had spoken with Trump by phone on Thursday.
The timing of the trump-Putin call coincided with one of Russia’s largest attacks of the year on Ukraine, involving 28 ballistic missiles and 320 drones, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishyna. Stefanishyna argued that this assault “exposes Moscow’s real attitude toward peace,” emphasizing that Russia’s strategy is one of “terror and exhaustion” requiring a stronger response through sanctions, air defense, and long-range capabilities.
The potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine has drawn a sharp response from the Kremlin. A spokesperson for the Russian government stated on Sunday that such a move would be viewed as a “major escalation” and cause “extreme concern.”
Logistical challenges also exist regarding the deployment of Tomahawks. Ukraine’s navy currently lacks the vessels necessary to operate the missiles, and the US has a limited number of suitable launchers, typically mounted on ships and submarines. The US reinstated its Typhon land-based mobile launcher program in 2023,possessing at least two launchers,but further expansion is unlikely in the near term.
during his presidential campaign, trump confidently predicted he could end the war in Ukraine quickly, but has since acknowledged the conflict’s complexity.His relationship with Zelensky experienced a low point in February when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly rebuked the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office. However, relations have demonstrably improved in recent months, with Trump now suggesting Kyiv could potentially “win all of ukraine back in its original form.” In late July, Trump issued a two-week ultimatum to Putin for a ceasefire, backed by the threat of sanctions, but did not follow through after securing a meeting with the Russian president in Alaska.
adding another layer of complexity, India’s foreign ministry disputed Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil. An Indian government spokesperson stated thay were “not aware of any conversation between the two leaders” regarding this matter. The US has been actively urging countries, including India and china, to reduce their reliance on Russian energy to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin, a position echoed by Zelensky.
