Zelensky to Discuss Tomahawk Missiles with Trump as Ukrainian Delegation Arrives in Washington
WASHINGTON D.C. – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, October 17, with a key focus on potential U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine, specifically the Tomahawk cruise missiles Kyiv has requested. The in-person meeting was deemed necessary as “certain topics cannot be discussed over the phone,” according to a source who spoke with axios.
The discussion comes as a Ukrainian delegation, led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and including Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umierov and Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, has already arrived in the United States. Meetings with U.S. officials will centre on new sanctions against Russia,bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses,and enhancing its strike capabilities,as outlined by Yermak on Telegram.
according to the Financial Times, Trump is seeking clarification on Ukraine’s intended use of the Tomahawk missiles. Even if approved, the U.S. is expected to allocate a limited quantity – estimated between 20 and 50 – a number experts believe “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.
The Kyiv Post reports that Trump may seek to leverage the situation to pressure European allies, especially Germany, into increasing their military aid to Ukraine, specifically regarding the supply of Taurus missiles, which Berlin has so far resisted. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated he intends to discuss the Ukrainian conflict with Trump ”to see what we can do together to end the war” during a recent summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
