Why Trump isn't rushing with Tomahawks: Zelenskyy explains
Photo: US and Ukrainian leaders Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained why the United States has not yet provided Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles. According to him, the issue is not only the availability of the weapons but also how they can be used.
Why the US has not yet provided Tomahawks
"The other story concerns long-range weapons, specifically the Tomahawks. President Trump publicly stated that America needs them. In my view, he does not want escalation with the 'Russians' until he meets with them," Zelenskyy said.
The president added that the question of supplying such weapons is not only about having the arms but also about their use and coordination.
"The issue is not just Tomahawks themselves. The question is how the weapons are used. You can have ATACMS, but how can you actually use them? It is not only about the weapons you have, but how you can employ them. Clearly, it is about military targets and coordination, but the path is yours to choose," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Kyiv coordinates actions with European leaders
Zelenskyy also said that after his conversation with Trump, Kyiv discussed the matter with European leaders, some of whom plan to appeal to the US administration on their own behalf.
"We spoke with European leaders immediately after the meeting with President Trump. They themselves want to make requests to him. We are in constant coordination. During a refueling stop in Ireland, Andriy Yermak [head of the Presidential Office] contacted all NSAs — they were in communication," Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine is in regular contact with European leaders, jointly forming a common position, and that European partners will continue to approach the United States in various formats.
Statements on Tomahawks
After meeting Zelenskyy in Washington, President Trump stated, "We need Tomahawks for the United States of America, too. We have uh a lot of them, but we need them."
Trump added that during a phone call with Putin, the idea of transferring several thousand Tomahawks to US partners was not well received.
At a briefing on October 18 following the meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy clarified that the topic of providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles has not been canceled. However, both sides agreed not to discuss it publicly to avoid escalation.
Additionally, US Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters that a final decision on supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine has not yet been made, but the United States continues to analyze the possibilities of providing the weapons to Kyiv.
