Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is anticipated to request the deployment of American-made Tomahawk cruise missiles during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump indicated that Zelensky, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to strike deep into Russian territory with these missiles, is likely to ask for the weapons. Trump mentioned that the United States has a plentiful supply of Tomahawks and that he would provide them if the conflict is not resolved, though he also acknowledged the risk of escalating tensions by providing such powerful weaponry.
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump addressed the potential discussion of arms supplies with Zelensky. He said, "I know what he has to say. He wants weapons. He would like to have Tomahawks, everyone else wants Tomahawks. We have a lot of Tomahawks." The president’s remarks suggest a potential shift in U.S. military support for Ukraine, with the possibility of significantly enhancing the country’s offensive capabilities.
Earlier, Trump had mentioned that providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be "a new step of aggression" if the conflict is not resolved. The cruise missiles, with a maximum range of 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), could allow Ukraine to target major cities and infrastructure in Russia, potentially altering the strategic balance of the conflict. This potential escalation has raised concerns among international observers and military analysts about the risks of further military confrontation.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the outcome of the upcoming meeting between Zelensky and Trump could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict. The potential use of Tomahawk missiles underscores the complex interplay of political, military, and diplomatic factors at play in the ongoing situation.