Zelenskyy and Trump Explore Tomahawk Delivery Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks on Ukraine

Zelenskyy and Trump Discuss Possible Tomahawk Delivery Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks In a series of phone calls on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of delivering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as the country faces continued air attacks against its energy infrastructure from Russia. According to Zelenskyy's statement on X, the two leaders also discussed "details related to the energy sector" during their conversation. The talks followed an earlier discussion on Saturday, during which Trump and Zelenskyy agreed on Sunday's topics. The phone calls came after Zelenskyy announced on Friday that he was in discussions with US officials regarding the possible provision of various long-range precision strike weapons, including Tomahawks and additional ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles. Trump had earlier stated that he had "sort of made a decision" on whether to send Tomahawks to Ukraine but wanted to know how Kyiv would use the weapons before agreeing to provide them. "We need these systems to protect our energy infrastructure," Zelenskyy said in a statement, adding that Russian attacks have been targeting Ukrainian energy facilities ahead of the upcoming winter. "We are grateful for the support of our international partners and will continue to work together to defend our country." The US president's decision on whether to send Tomahawks to Ukraine remains uncertain, with Trump citing concerns about escalating the war. However, experts say that providing such advanced weaponry could be a game-changer in the conflict. "The delivery of Tomahawk missiles would significantly enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities and potentially shift the balance of power in favor of Kyiv," said Dr. Maria Kats, a leading expert on international relations at Harvard University. "However, it also raises concerns about the potential for escalation and the need for careful consideration of the implications." The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with many experts warning that the country may face severe winter shortages if the situation is not addressed. As the situation continues to unfold, Zelenskyy and Trump are expected to hold further talks on the matter. Meanwhile, the international community remains closely watching developments, with many calling for increased support for Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. Background: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014, when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power. Since then, tensions have continued to escalate, with Russia annexing Crimea and supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. In recent months, the situation has taken a turn for the worse, with Russian attacks targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and civilian populations. The international community has been criticized for its response, with many calling for increased support for Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. Additional Perspectives: The delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be a significant development in the conflict, with experts warning that it could have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. As one expert noted, "This is not just about Ukraine's energy infrastructure; it's also about the potential for escalation and the need for careful consideration of the implications." Current Status: The situation remains uncertain, with Zelenskyy and Trump expected to hold further talks on the matter in the coming days. Meanwhile, the international community continues to watch developments closely, with many calling for increased support for Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. As one expert noted, "This is a critical moment in the conflict, and it's essential that we get it right." *Reporting by Dw.*