Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the U.S. on Wednesday after a media leak revealed Kyiv’s confidential request for Tomahawk missiles, which was intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. The New York Times reported that the request was part of Ukraine’s classified “Victory Plan” to end the conflict by 2025, including a “non-nuclear deterrence” component that included the long-range missiles.
According to Zelensky, the request was supposed to remain private between Ukraine and the U.S. “So it means between partners, there is no [confidentiality],” Zelensky said during a press briefing with Nordic media, expressing frustration over the leak. Zelensky emphasized that the missiles would only be used if Russia refused to de-escalate, and he described the request as a preventive measure, not an escalation.
The U.S. is reportedly hesitant to supply the Tomahawks due to limited stock and uncertainty about their impact on the battlefield, according to anonymous officials who spoke to the media. The missiles, with a 1,500-kilometer range, would allow Ukraine to reach targets within Russia, extending beyond the capabilities of the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles that Kyiv received earlier this year. U.S. officials have also expressed concerns about sparing Tomahawk missiles from stockpiles needed in other regions.
Ukraine is pushing to secure additional support before the possibility of a change in administration. Kyiv fears that U.S. backing could lessen if Republican candidate Donald Trump wins in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, given his criticisms of continued support for Ukraine.
