Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump during a planned White House visit, where he will seek the provision of advanced American Tomahawk missiles as part of the broader effort to strengthen Ukraine’s military response to Russia’s ongoing invasion. The meeting follows Trump’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders discussed potential areas of cooperation.
Zelenskyy has emphasized the necessity of securing advanced weaponry to better defend Ukraine and target Russia’s strategic assets, including its oil infrastructure, which has been pivotal in funding the war effort. The U.S. and Ukraine are reportedly in discussions about providing long-range cruise missiles like the Tomahawk, which could enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deeper into Russian territory and disrupt its military and economic capabilities. However, security experts have cautioned that while such weapons could play a significant role, they will need to be integrated with other tactics, including economic sanctions and improved front-line defenses, to effectively counter Russian aggression. Zelenskyy’s push for these high-precision weapons comes as tensions continue to escalate, with Russia frequently launching attacks on civilian targets, including energy infrastructure and hospitals.
The planned meeting with Trump is seen as crucial in determining the next steps in the international response to the ongoing conflict. With Russia’s continuous aerial bombardments, Zelenskyy continues to press for enhanced defense systems, including the Tomahawk missile, which has the potential to reach beyond Moscow. John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Russia Program, warned that no single weapon system could be a