Donald Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington tomorrow, following his announcement that talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin have made significant progress.
Meeting Amid Progress in Trump‑Putin Talks
Trump’s decision to convene with Zelenskiy comes on the heels of a bid to strengthen his alliance with Russia. He announced that talks with Putin had made significant headway and that a personal meeting would take place in Hungary. This marks the first direct dialogue between the U.S. and Russian presidents since August.
Zelenskiy Seeks Tomahawk Missiles and Air‑Defense Aid
Zelenskiy intends to discuss supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles and enhancing its air‑defence capabilities ahead of the winter. Kyiv stresses that Russian forces have lost strategic initiative and that the Kremlin can only threaten civilian energy infrastructure.
Trump Aims to Push for Peace on U.S. Terms
Donald Trump believes the meeting will accelerate negotiations for a cease‑fire, on terms the United States will set. He views Zelenskiy’s US visit as a chance to persuade the president that Ukraine’s interests cannot be sacrificed for a political truce with Moscow.
Russia Warns Against Delivering Tomahawks
In a phone call with Putin, Trump mentioned the potential transfer of Tomahawks to Ukraine. Moscow warned that such weapons could be mistaken for nuclear‑armed rockets and that the move could drag the United States into war. The Kremlin’s response was a stern reminder of the consequences.
Experts Question the Effectiveness of Tomahawk Leverage
Analysts argue that offering Tomahawks is a rhetorical tactic rather than a practical contract. They say the U.S. “Tomahawk and carrot” approach may not compel Russia to negotiate, and that even if missiles were supplied, they would have limited impact on front‑line dynamics or the Russian economy.
Scholars Raise Skepticism About Zelenskiy’s Washington Tour
Polish scientist Jewhen Mahda notes that the U.S. no longer acts as a strategic partner for Ukraine, but as a broker. He considers it naïve for Kyiv to expect a return from Washington equipped with Tomahawks, and highlights the complex risks the president faces.
