Zelenskyy hopeful for US Tomahawk missiles after Trump meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism that the United States may ultimately provide Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, following high-level talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington. The potential transfer of these advanced weapons systems represents a significant escalation in military support that could alter the dynamics of the conflict with Russia.

A Delicate Diplomatic Balance

In an interview with NBC News, Zelenskyy characterized Trump's position on the missile transfer as deliberately ambiguous. "It's good that President Trump didn't say 'no,' but for today, didn't say 'yes,'" Zelenskyy stated, adding that he "count(s) on the continuation of this dialogue." The Ukrainian leader directly linked this hesitation to Russian concerns, noting "I think that Putin is afraid that the United States will deliver us Tomahawks." This assessment aligns with Moscow's repeated warnings that such a move would destroy US-Russia relations and mark a major escalation.

Broader Discussions on Defense and Diplomacy

The missile request was part of broader conversations during the White House meeting that covered Ukraine's battlefield needs, including air defense capabilities, and potential peace negotiations. Regarding the proposed Budapest summit, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's indispensable role in any peace process, questioning "How can there be some deals without us about us?" He expressed skepticism about Vladimir Putin's readiness for genuine negotiations but suggested that increased pressure from President Trump could potentially alter Moscow's stance.

The Path Forward

Both leaders addressed the possibility of Trump personally mediating an end to the conflict, with Zelenskyy responding "God bless, yes" when asked if he believes the US president can achieve this. The diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, with preparations reportedly underway for a potential Trump-Putin meeting, for which Budapest has been suggested as a venue. These developments occur alongside Ukraine's ongoing requests for enhanced security guarantees and support for congressional measures targeting Russia's energy exports.