Tomahawk Missiles Expected too Feature in Trump-Zelensky White house Talks
WASHINGTON D.C. - Discussions between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at teh White House are expected to center on the potential supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the anticipated agenda. The potential transfer marks a important shift in the ongoing debate over military aid to Ukraine as Zelensky seeks to bolster his nation’s defense capabilities against Russia’s invasion.
The Tomahawk, a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile, has been a mainstay of the U.S.Navy and Army as the 1980s. Capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 1,000 miles, the missile offers Ukraine the potential to target Russian military infrastructure deep within occupied territory and Russia itself – a capability currently limited by the range of weapons provided by the U.S. and its allies.
While the Biden administration previously approved the transfer of ATACMS missiles, providing Ukraine with increased strike range, the Tomahawk represents a further escalation in the types of weaponry being considered. The missiles are manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
News of the potential Tomahawk transfer comes amid reports of foreign nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) claims that 1,076 Cubans may have already fought or are currently fighting for Russia, with at least 96 declared dead or missing, according to data provided to The Kyiv Independent. These figures align with an unclassified American diplomatic cable estimating that “1,000 to 5,000 Cubans” could participate in the Russian invasion, as reported by Reuters. The Cuban foreign ministry has denied any involvement, accusing Washington of “false accusations.” HUR alleges Russia recruits economically vulnerable Cubans through deceptive job advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, offering attractive salaries and expedited Russian citizenship. Recruits reportedly receive minimal military training - two weeks at the Avangard center in the Moscow region – before deployment to the front lines.
According to HUR, Cubans represent the sixth largest foreign nationality fighting for Russia, following North Koreans, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and Belarusians, with smaller numbers from Nepal, Somalia, Syria, and african nations also reportedly involved.
