Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss acquiring American Tomahawk missiles as Ukraine seeks stronger defenses against ongoing Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. The meeting aims to address significant defensive measures and strategies to counter Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
This meeting comes just a day after Trump held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy’s primary objective during this visit is to secure enhanced military support for Ukraine, particularly in the form of American Tomahawk missiles. These missiles are known for their long-range precision and capability to strike targets deep within enemy territory.
The Tomahawk missile system could potentially allow Ukraine to target not only Russian military installations but also critical components of its oil industry, which has been a significant source of funding for Putin’s military operations. However, experts caution that no single weapon system can serve as a definitive solution to the challenges Ukraine faces.
John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Russia Program, emphasized that a multifaceted approach is necessary to effectively counter Russia’s military strategy. “No one weapon system is going to be a wonder weapon or a game changer, per se,” he told Fox News Digital. Hardie advocates for a combination of increased missile capabilities for Ukraine and economic measures aimed at undermining Russia’s war funding.
He noted that targeting Russia’s economy through sanctions and disrupting its oil industry are crucial steps to weaken its military efforts. “Putin still seems to believe, or chooses to believe, that he can grind down Ukrainian forces in this war of attrition,” Hardie said. “The goal should be to exhaust the Russian military’s offensive potential.”
While the Tomahawk missiles would enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, Hardie pointed out that there are other systems that could be more effectively utilized for Ukraine’s immediate needs. For instance, the Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles, which are designed specifically for Ukraine, are expected to begin arriving in October.
In addition, Hardie highlighted the importance of defensive systems, such as Patriot missile batteries, which are essential for protecting Ukraine against Russia’s persistent missile and drone attacks.
Following his conversation with Putin, Trump remarked that “great progress” was made, although he did not elaborate on the specifics of their discussion. The two leaders agreed to meet again in Hungary, but it remains unclear whether U.S. aid to Ukraine was a topic of conversation.
During the call, Trump suggested he might need to discuss with Putin the implications of placing U.S. Tomahawk missiles near Russian borders, which seemed to signal a potential threat. However, the details of the conversation did not include any mention of Tomahawks or defensive assistance for Ukraine.
According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the issue of Tomahawk missiles was indeed discussed, but Putin opposed the idea. Ushakov stated, “Vladimir Putin reiterated his thesis that Tomahawks won’t change the situation on the battlefield, but they will cause significant damage to relations between our countries. Not to mention the prospects for a peaceful settlement.”
As Zelenskyy prepares for his meeting with Trump, the stakes remain high for Ukraine as it seeks to bolster its defenses against ongoing Russian aggression.
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