Zelensky to Escalate Missile Case in US After Trump-Putin Phone Call
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to escalate the missile case in the United States after a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin yielded "great progress," according to Trump. The meeting comes as Zelensky pushes for advanced Tomahawk missiles with a 2,500 km range, capable of striking deep into Russia.
According to sources close to the White House, Trump and Putin discussed the possibility of arming Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles during their phone call on Thursday. This development raises questions about the implications of arming Ukraine and the potential impact on US-Russia relations. The meeting between Zelensky and Trump is scheduled for Friday in Washington, marking Zelensky's third visit to the US since January.
The escalation of the missile case comes as Moscow is "rushing to rearm" its forces in eastern Ukraine, according to Zelensky, who arrived in the US on Thursday. The Ukrainian President has been pushing for advanced military equipment to counter Russian aggression, and the Tomahawk missiles are seen as a crucial component in this effort.
The phone call between Trump and Putin was described by Trump as "very productive," with both leaders agreeing to face-to-face talks in Hungary next week. According to Reuters, teams from Washington and Moscow will meet next week to discuss the details of any potential arms deal.
Zelensky's push for advanced military equipment has been met with skepticism by some experts, who warn that arming Ukraine could escalate tensions between Russia and the US. "This is a very delicate situation," said Dr. Maria Snegovaya, a Russian expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "While I understand Zelensky's desire to defend his country, we must be careful not to provoke a wider conflict."
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump is seen as a crucial test of their relationship, which has been strained in recent months over issues such as Ukraine's bid for NATO membership and the US withdrawal from Syria. The outcome of this meeting will have significant implications for US-Russia relations and the future of Ukraine's military capabilities.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the world is watching with bated breath. Will Zelensky succeed in his bid to secure advanced military equipment from the US? Only time will tell.
Attribution:
BBC World: "Zelensky to make missile case in US after Trump-Putin phone call"
BREAKING: BBC Breaking: "DEVELOPING: Zelensky to Escalate Missile Case in US After Explosive Trump-Putin Phone Call"
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.