Russia Alarmed by Trump’s Plan to Send Tomahawk Missiles to Kyiv
In recent developments, former President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his military aggression. Trump mentioned this potential action while speaking to reporters on Air Force One during a trip to the Middle East. He stated, “I might talk to him [Putin]. I might say, ‘look, if this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks.’”
Trump’s Discussion with Zelenskyy
During a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the discussion included a request for Tomahawk missiles. The former president highlighted the missiles as a new level of aggression, posing the question, “Do they [Russian forces] want to have Tomahawks going in their direction?”
Context of the Proposal
The notion of supplying Kyiv with Tomahawks has been considered by Trump following a failed peace meeting with Putin in Alaska last August. Trump’s comments come amid heightened concerns from Moscow regarding the potential escalation of tensions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the topic of Tomahawks as “of extreme concern,” indicating Russia’s apprehension about the situation.
- President Zelenskyy stated, “We will see,” when asked about the potential approval for Tomahawks from Trump.
- Zelenskyy is also in discussions with U.S. officials about various long-range precision-strike weapons.
- A senior Ukrainian delegation is set to visit the U.S. this week to further these discussions.
Escalating Military Tension
Recently, Russia has intensified its military operations, notably targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported injuries to employees of a major energy company due to Russian strikes.
Statistics from Recent Attacks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported that Russia has launched:
- More than 3,100 drones
- 92 missiles
- Approximately 1,360 glide bombs
Ukraine’s energy sector has become a critical battleground since the full-scale invasion began over three years ago. President Zelenskyy has called for tighter sanctions targeting buyers of Russian oil, reinforcing the need for ongoing actions against those financing the war.
Regional Developments
In ongoing military efforts, Ukrainian forces have made progress in regions such as southern Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk, which remains a focal point of the conflict. Zelenskyy noted the successes of Ukrainian counteroffensives in these areas.
Statements from Belarus
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, expressed doubt regarding the U.S. actually providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He advised caution, suggesting that Trump often adopts a more measured approach following forceful rhetoric.
