Trump Backs Ukraine's Offensive, Considers Supplying Tomahawks Amidst Rising Tensions
President Donald Trump has taken a significant shift in his stance toward the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Following a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump has expressed his support for Ukraine's long-range strikes deep into Russian territory and is considering supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kiev, a move that has been met with skepticism from the Kremlin.
Background
For months, the US administration insisted that Kiev would need to give up on certain territorial claims for a US-mediated peace deal with Moscow to progress. However, Trump has recently dismissed Russia as a paper tiger
and urged Kiev to act.
This shift in rhetoric is seen as a hardening of the US's stance against Russia's continued military efforts in Ukraine.
Key Developments
US Vice President J.D. Vance echoed Trump's sentiments, calling on Moscow to wake up and accept reality,
and emphasized Russia's refusal to engage in any form of negotiations to end the war against Ukraine. Vance further announced the Washington administration's potential plan to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to other NATO countries for subsequent transfer to Kiev, with Trump making the final decision.
US Special Representative Keith Kellogg mentioned that Trump had authorized Ukraine's long-range strikes against Russia. Ukraine must secure Washington's approval to hit targets deep inside Russia with US-supplied weapons,
Kellogg noted in an interview with Fox News. Also, he suggested that the decision to greenlight attacks might have already been taken as Washington considers Tomahawk missile deliveries.
Reactions and Implications
Meanwhile, Russia's reaction to these latest developments has been guarded. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, No magical weapons exist,
downplaying the potential impact of Tomahawk missile supplies to Ukraine. He added that Moscow is carefully analyzing these possible supplies.
The shift in the US administration's stance is seen as a significant change in the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ukraine supporters are hailing the shift, noting that after months of frustration over the ongoing conflict, Trump seems to be changing tactics.
Conclusion
While the conflict continues, the new developments mark a significant turning point in the US's approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Although there are still many uncertainties surrounding this issue, including Russia's response and the potential effect of the Tomahawk missile supplies, these recent statements from the US administration highlight a more aggressive stance towards Russia's actions in Ukraine. It remains to be seen how these developments will play out in the coming weeks and months.