Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Donald Trump to provide powerful arms during their recent meeting in the U.S.
Trump Says Ukraine Can Win the War
After meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in the U.S. on September 23, Donald Trump stated that Ukraine can defeat Russia and reclaim its territories. However, most analysts argue that U.S. intervention is necessary to force Putin to end the war.
Details of the Discussion
During an interview on “The Axios Show,” Zelensky revealed he asked Trump for additional weapon systems to pressure Putin into peace talks. While he did not specify the system, reports suggest it was the Tomahawk, a long-range precision missile capable of traveling about 1,600 km—far exceeding the 300 km range of U.S. ATACMS missiles. Sources confirmed this claim.
Ukraine’s Request for Tomahawks
Ukraine has repeatedly requested Tomahawk missiles from the U.S. over the past year, but Trump has refused to approve their sale to NATO countries. Zelensky emphasized that possessing such weapons would increase pressure on Putin to negotiate, though he did not confirm their immediate use. Trump reportedly responded that he would consider the request.
Reactions to the Meeting
Following the meeting, Trump stated that with EU and NATO support, Ukraine could reclaim all its territories. Ukrainian analysts noted that Trump did not mention direct U.S. military assistance. Military expert Olexandr Musiyenko stressed the need for increased U.S. arms deliveries and stricter sanctions against Russia. Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko acknowledged Trump’s positive rhetoric but cautioned against premature conclusions, citing the former president’s history of shifting positions.
