By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a private meeting at the UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested that US President Donald Trump provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. The request was made with the intention of applying pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially facilitating peace negotiations, according to sources cited by The Telegraph. Zelenskyy reported Trump responded favorably to the request. Although Trump’s willingness to provide the missiles is not fully known, this request comes after a shift in Trump’s rhetoric regarding the war.
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Zelenskyy asked Trump for Tomahawk missiles that can reach Moscow, which, frankly, is a bold move. It’s a classic example of “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” as they say. It’s like, why not? Given the current climate and the ongoing war, this request, while seemingly audacious, might just have some strategic merit. Especially when the iron is hot, as they say.
This request could be viewed as a clever play. Trump, as we know, has a certain way of operating. Public backing and then a specific arms request puts him in a particular position. It forces a pressure on him, potentially making it harder to ignore or deflect. It’s like Zelenskyy is laying out his cards and forcing Trump to react. Whether it pays off remains to be seen.
The main point of this request would be about striking at Moscow itself. While some might question whether the Tomahawk brings much to the table given Ukraine’s current capabilities, the thought of it reaching Moscow is not nothing. The threat alone could be a strategic advantage. And if Russia can’t fund its “Special Military Operation,” then, well, that could be a positive.
Some wonder if the Tomahawk is really the best weapon to hit Moscow with. After all, there are drones and other missiles already in the arsenal. These long-range options are already striking Moscow. But the Tomahawk has its own unique advantages. It has the potential for a better strike, including the ability to loiter over a target, send a picture of the target to confirm it, and then blow it up. It’s more accurate, harder to counter, and can hit smaller targets with greater precision.
There’s the added layer of Trump’s personality. The sentiment is that he likes to make deals. Ask for the stars, get the moon. This might be the mindset Zelenskyy is working with. Add in enough complements and a little pocket cash and he’ll probably sell them to you, or so the saying goes.
The risk, of course, is escalation. It’s understandable why some people think it’s a slippery slope to go on the offensive into Russian territory. Russia is a nuclear power, after all. So, there’s a genuine concern that an offensive strike into Russia could further the conflict. Ukraine needs to stay within its borders and be a successful underdog, this could be their best defense.
Others suggest that the Tomahawk might be a good field test. Whatever the outcome, the ability to strike the capital of the aggressor sends a message. If the request is approved, and the Tomahawks start flying, Putin will certainly know more are on the way.
Of course, there are valid concerns about the situation. The cost of the missiles, at approximately two million dollars each, is significant. And then there’s the possibility of Trump simply passing the information to Putin.
Beyond the specifics of the Tomahawks themselves, it’s worth noting the broader context. There’s a push for more advanced weapons, like F-35s, which could potentially end the war quickly. The reality is that Zelenskyy is asking for everything that he can get his hands on, it’s the right move. And, of course, he understands the importance of playing up Trump’s ego by positioning the move as a display of strength.