Ukraine’s hopes of securing Tomahawk missiles have been dashed by the US over fears it would spark an escalation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested.US President Donald Trump met with the Ukrainian president at the White House on Friday for the third time this year.
Mr Zelenskyy’s priority would have likely been securing Tomahawk missiles after three years of war with Russia, which was left worried by the prospect.The weapons have a significantly longer range than any other missiles in Ukraine’s armoury.While Mr Trump did not rule out providing the Tomahawk missiles, he appeared cool to the prospect as he looked ahead to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks.
‘US doesn’t want escalation’Following the meeting with Mr Trump, who held a phone call with Mr Putin on Thursday, Mr Zelenskyy said: “We spoke about long-range (missiles) of course. And I do not want to make statements about it.”
But he added: “We don’t speak about it because… United States doesn’t want this escalation.”So, I mean, this will be out of the answer – sorry about it.”
Follow updates: Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy proposes ‘drone for Tomahawk’
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plans to secure new missiles had worried Russia. Pic: Reuters
Later in a post on X, Mr Zelenskyy said he was counting on President Trump to “bring this war closer to an end”.”We discussed all key issues – our positions on the battlefield, long-range capabilities and air defence, and, of course, diplomatic prospects,” he said.”Russia must end the aggression it started and continues to deliberately prolong. We count on the United States’ pressure.”In a roundtable with journalists following the meeting, Mr Trump confirmed that hitting targets deep inside Russian territory would be an “escalation”.He also said he was hesitant to tap into the US’ supply of Tomahawks, saying: “I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace.”We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over to be honest.”
Read more:Putin may have trouble travelling to Hungary for Trump summit – here’s whyHas threat of Tomahawk missiles forced Putin back to negotiating table?Listen – Trump and Putin: Friends reunited?Following the meeting, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed he had called Mr Zelenskyy to reiterate his support.
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Donald Trump said hitting targets deep inside Russian territory would be an ‘escalation’. Pic: Reuters
‘United Kingdom’s resolute support for Ukraine’A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister spoke to the president of Ukraine, European leaders and the NATO secretary general this evening following President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House today.”The leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. A just and lasting peace for Ukraine was the only way to stop the killing for good, they agreed.
“Further discussions about how they could support Ukraine in the lead up to, and following, a ceasefire would continue this week, including in a Coalition of the Willing call on Friday, the leaders agreed.”Following the call with world leaders this evening, the prime minister then spoke to President Zelenskyy bilaterally to underscore the United Kingdom’s resolute support for Ukraine.”