Transfer of Tomahawks to Ukraine: what role does Zelenskyy’s visit to the US play?
фото: Reuters
US President Donald Trump is approaching a decision that could significantly change the balance of power in the war: the possible transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. This is not only a step in support of Kyiv – it is also aimed at putting political pressure on the US’s European partners, in particular Germany, which is still hesitant to provide its own long-range Taurus missiles.
As Kyiv Post reports , citing sources close to the negotiations, there is a strategic game behind this step: Trump is not just reacting to the situation – he is forming a new security architecture in which Ukraine plays an important role.
There are already signs of a shift in rhetoric: Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced his intention to meet with Trump to discuss “joint steps to end the war.” Such diplomatic activity could be a direct result of the American initiative.
The centerpiece of this initiative is expected to be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington, which, according to the publication, will take place on Friday. A meeting with Trump is expected at the White House, dedicated to “critical capabilities” for Ukraine’s defense.
According to one of the sources, in addition to the Tomahawk issue, Ukraine’s participation in a large-scale US missile defense project, the so-called Golden Dome for America program, will also be discussed. This initiative aims to protect the United States from new types of threats, including hypersonic missiles, amid growing tensions with China, Russia and North Korea.
Thus, the potential decision to transfer the Tomahawks is significant not only as military assistance, but also as part of a global defense strategy in which Ukraine’s fight against Russia is considered one of the key areas.
Glen Howard, president of the American think tank Saratoga Foundation, believes that such weapons transfers are part of a “thoughtful escalation” designed to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
“This is a signal to Moscow. And, probably, Trump needs Zelensky’s visit to make a public statement about a new stage of support – and at the same time remind Putin: “I warned you,” – the expert notes.
Howard believes that Washington’s decision will leave Berlin no choice: if the US gives the Tomahawks, it will be harder for Germany to continue to refuse the Taurus. He also stressed that this could change the situation around the Kerch Bridge – one of the most vulnerable targets for long-range weapons.
The impetus for the change in policy was, in particular, the threat of a new humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine. This was stated by Yuriy Boyechko, director of the American organization Hope for Ukraine. He emphasizes: Russia is not just carrying out chaotic strikes – this is a targeted tactic aimed at destroying critical energy infrastructure before winter.
“They are hitting power plants, substations, and gas hubs — purposefully leaving millions of Ukrainians without heat and light during the coldest time of the year,” he said.
Recall that the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, which is currently being considered in Washington, is unlikely to have a significant impact on the course of the war. Even if the decision is approved, we are talking about only 20-50 weapons, which is a rather limited resource.
As reported, US President Donald Trump said that he had practically decided to allow the sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles to NATO countries, which, in turn, could transfer them to Ukraine.
It should be noted that the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Vladimir Putin is purposefully sending signals to the Donald Trump administration, trying to prevent the supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The Kremlin is combining threats to “destroy relations” and downplaying the usefulness of the weapons in order to obtain concessions from the US and maintain a secure rear in the depths of Russia.
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