Trump and Zelenskyy Face High Stakes in Washington Visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to Washington this week to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to deepen U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The meeting, set for Friday, comes as Kyiv intensifies its push for air defense systems and long-range strike weapons, including Tomahawk missiles.
A Strategic Agenda
Zelenskyy has already dispatched a Ukrainian delegation—led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko—to begin diplomatic engagements in the U.S. ahead of the meeting.
Key topics on the agenda include:
- Enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capacity
- Securing long-range strike options, possibly with Tomahawks
- Strengthening U.S.–Ukraine cooperation on drone technology
- Addressing Ukraine’s energy vulnerabilities, especially in face of Russian attacks on infrastructure
Trump Signals Conditional Support
Trump has publicly floated the idea of authorizing long-range missiles to Ukraine, giving Moscow cause for concern over escalation.
Yet, the Trump camp appears to be setting firm conditions. Ahead of the summit, he posted on his platform that Zelenskyy “can end the war … almost immediately, if he wants to,” signaling that U.S. support may come with strings attached.
Some analysts see this as a shift from Trump’s earlier skepticism toward deep military backing for Ukraine.
Reactions from Moscow and Allies
The Kremlin has responded strongly to talk of supplying Tomahawk missiles. Moscow warned that such a move could constitute a serious escalation in U.S.–Russia tensions.
European diplomats are watching closely, as the U.S. seeks to reaffirm its commitment while balancing pressure from Russia and internal political constraints.
Uncertainty Lingers
While the meeting is expected to be high-profile, it is not guaranteed to produce definitive outcomes. Previous face-to-face Trump–Zelenskyy encounters have ended with unresolved conflict and tension over policy direction.
Still, the symbolism is significant. The Washington meeting signals that Ukraine continues to treat the U.S. as a pivotal player in its resistance against Russian aggression—and that it is pressing hard to expand the scope of American military support in the coming months.
