The President of the United States Donald Trump had on Saturday telephone contact with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiduring which they discussed the possibility of granting a large Tomahawk rocket in Kiev, according to two sources with knowledge of the conversation.
Discussion to strengthen Ukrainian defense
Communication lasted about 30 minutes, one of the sources said. THE Zelenski He described it as “very positive and productive”. As he noted, he congratulated him US president on the peace agreement in Gauzestressing that “if that war can stop, then other wars can end, including the Russian.” ‘I informed the president Trump For the Russian attacks on our energy system and I appreciated his willingness to support us. We discussed opportunities for enhancing our anti -aircraft defense and specific agreements that we are promoting in this direction, “the Ukrainian leader said, adding that” there are good choices and strong ideas on how to strengthen ourselves. “
Tomahawk rockets on the table
Sources did not mention if a final decision was made, but the debate is one of the most critical issues of military aid to Ukraine. The Tomahawk rocketsAmerican -made, have a much larger range than Kiev’s weapons to date, allowing deep blows in the Russian territory – even in Moscow. Ukrainians argue that acquiring such weapons could push the Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table.
Last Monday, Trump had stated that he had “somehow made a decision” on the sale of Tomahawk rockets to his countries NATOin order to be sent to Ukraine. At the same time, he stressed that he wants to know “how he intends to use Kiev” before he approves the transfer.
Zelenski had officially asked them Tomahawk During his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of her UN General Assembly Last month, saying that they may not even need to be used, as their existence alone could force Moscow to negotiate.
Reaction from Moscow
The Russian president Vladimir Putin He reacted strongly, declaring Sunday that the Tomahawk missile mission to Ukraine “will signal a completely new, quality different stage of escalation.”
Subsequent steps
Meanwhile, a supreme Ukrainian delegation under the director of Zelenski’s office, Andriy Germak, and the Prime Minister Yulia Svirindenko He is expected to arrive in Washington next week for discussions on military cooperation and sanctions against Russia.
Washington has not yet commented on the conversation between the two leaders, but the issue of missile transfer is expected to be at the center of the diplomatic contacts of the coming days.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Kir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz said in a joint statement on Friday that they were ready to tune in to use and proceed with the use of the ” They bring Russia to the negotiating table. “
Their aim is to do so “in close cooperation with the United States,” the announcement was added.