Donald Trump is scheduled to communicate with Vladimir Putin via a call today in a new effort to cease the Russian President’s aggression towards Ukraine. This development precedes Trump’s upcoming meeting with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, where discussions may involve the potential authorization for Kyiv to utilize long-range Tomahawk missiles. Trump has been vocal in criticizing Putin for his lack of action in resolving the conflict in Ukraine and for not engaging in direct peace talks with Zelensky. During the meeting scheduled for Friday at the White House, Zelensky is anticipated to request more advanced weaponry from the US, including Patriot air defense systems.
Trump expressed readiness to provide Ukraine with weapons if Putin persists in obstructing peace efforts in the region. He stated to reporters that he might consider supplying Tomahawk missiles if the conflict remains unresolved. These missiles, with a range of 2,500km and warheads nearly weighing half a ton, could significantly enhance Kyiv’s strategic capabilities by allowing strikes deep into Russian territory. Trump praised the effectiveness of the Tomahawk missiles and noted Ukraine’s desire to take offensive actions, stating that a decision on this matter will be made accordingly.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of tools like Patriots and Tomahawks in establishing a lasting foundation for peace. Trump, in previous remarks, criticized Putin for the invasion of Ukraine, remarking that the prolonged conflict was detrimental to Putin’s image. The US President credited Ukraine for withstanding Russian forces for four years, leading to a stalemate in the conflict.
Trump mentioned the possibility of engaging with Russia before granting Ukraine access to Tomahawk missiles. This development follows Putin’s recent defiance of Trump by initiating a significant aerial assault on Ukraine shortly after Trump’s appeal to cease hostilities. Putin deployed MiG-31 bombers equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and orchestrated further attacks using Russian drones, resulting in casualties and disruptions in Ukrainian cities.