Zelensky Appeals to Allies as Tomahawk Missile Debate Intensifies
KYIV, ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued a flurry of diplomatic outreach Sunday, speaking for a second time in two days with former U.S. President Donald Trump, while the potential delivery of American Tomahawk cruise missiles drew sharp concern from Moscow. Zelensky described the conversation with Trump as “very productive” on Telegram, stating the two leaders discussed “protection of life” in ukraine and “strengthening [their] air defense, [their] resilience and [their] scope.”
Zelensky has been actively seeking increased military aid from allies, including long-range precision weapons. He revealed Friday he was in discussions with U.S. officials regarding possible supplies of tomahawk missiles and additional ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, reiterating his request for strengthened air defenses after his Saturday exchange with Trump.
Trump indicated earlier in the week he had ”sort of made a decision” regarding sending Tomahawks to Ukraine,but offered no specifics.
The prospect of Tomahawk missiles reaching Ukraine has alarmed the Kremlin. Spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated Sunday that the issue was “extremely worrying,” adding, “We are currently experiencing a truly dramatic period as tensions are intensifying on all sides.”
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, urged caution, suggesting Trump’s rhetoric should not be taken at face value. “Sometimes he takes a more muscular approach, then his tactic is to take the pressure off a little and take a step back. We must thus not take it literally, as if it was going to fly tomorrow,” Lukashenko saeid.
Zelensky, though, interpreted Russia‘s anxiety as a positive sign. “We see and hear that Russia is afraid that the Americans could supply us with Tomahawks,this is a signal that this type of pressure could work for peace,” he stated. He added that teams from both countries would follow up on their discussion. A Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to visit the united States this week.
