WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to meet at the White House on Friday to discuss potential U.S.military aid to Ukraine, including the possible provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles, two sources familiar with the planning confirmed to Axios.
why it matters: The discussion comes as Ukraine seeks to bolster its firepower and perhaps compel Russia to the negotiating table,while the U.S. weighs the risks of escalating the conflict.
A White House official has confirmed the meeting will take place.
Driving the news: Trump told reporters Sunday that he and zelensky discussed the possibility of the U.S. providing Tomahawks and additional Patriot air defense systems during a phone call this weekend. Zelensky has argued that increased firepower is crucial.
Trump stated, “There are certain issues that can’t be discussed on the phone.” He further indicated he ”might have to speak to Russia” regarding the Tomahawks, adding, “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so. I told that to President Zelensky, becuase Tomahawks are a new step of aggression.” He also said,”I might say,’Look,if this war is not gonna get settled,I may send them Tomahawks.’ Russia doesn’t need that. I think it is appropriate to bring that up.”
Context: The long-range Tomahawk missiles would enable ukraine to strike targets deep within Russian territory, including Moscow. The Kremlin expressed concern Sunday about Ukraine potentially receiving the missiles, citing the nuclear capabilities of some versions.
russian President Vladimir putin has previously warned that deploying Tomahawks would necessitate direct U.S.military involvement in their operation and would severely damage U.S.-Russia relations.
What we’re watching: Zelensky is scheduled to arrive in the U.S.on Thursday, with his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, arriving in Washington, D.C., on Monday night to prepare for the visit.
