Zelensky to Discuss Tomahawk Missiles with Trump Amid Escalation Concerns
WASHINGTON D.C. – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with former President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, with a key agenda item being Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles. The potential supply of these long-range weapons has sparked debate due to fears of escalating the conflict with Russia.
The Tomahawk missile,capable of reaching targets up to 2,500 kilometers away,would significantly extend Ukraine’s strike capabilities,allowing it to reach deeper into Russian territory. However, the United States has expressed hesitation, concerned about heightened tensions with Moscow.
Even if the U.S. approves the request, the Financial Times reported on October 13th that the allocation is likely to be limited - between 20 and 50 missiles. This quantity, the report suggests, “will not fundamentally change the dynamics of the war.” The U.S. currently plans to purchase 57 Tomahawk missiles in 2026, according to Pentagon budget data. kyiv Post reports that Trump may seek to leverage the potential supply to encourage European allies,notably Germany,to also provide advanced weaponry like Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
The Kremlin has issued warnings regarding the potential delivery of Tomahawk missiles. On Thursday, Dmitry peskov, spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, stated, “Our soldiers know what they have to do; they have the military potential and all the necessary capabilities. Everything will also be done to continue the special military operation until all its objectives are achieved.” Earlier this month, putin himself labeled the potential transfer of Tomahawks as a “new escalation” between moscow and Washington.
