The corridors of the United Nations were buzzing with discussions about the Ukraine conflict when Volodymyr Zelensky took the opportunity for a private sit-down with Donald Trump.
In what insiders described as a “massively positive” meeting, the Ukrainian president made a bold request: supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Zelensky argued that these long-range weapons could finally bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
A Rare Moment of Optimism Between Leaders
Sources close to the meeting told reporters that Trump appeared receptive to Zelensky’s appeal.
The Ukrainian leader later confirmed in an interview with Axios that Trump seemed open to providing the long-range missiles, which could put Moscow itself within Kyiv’s reach.
Zelensky framed the appeal as both a defensive necessity and a strategic move to strengthen Ukraine’s position in ongoing peace talks.
NATO’s Hesitant Response
Meanwhile, Zelensky did not hold back his criticism of NATO countries.
Speaking to Axios, he accused some members of being “afraid” of Russia, claiming their reaction to recent Kremlin drone and fighter jet incursions has been “weak.”
European diplomats were reportedly encouraged by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to interpret Trump’s shift on Ukraine “as positively as possible,” with Rubio stressing that the president is frustrated with Putin for ignoring prior peace efforts.
Historical Context: A Request Denied in the Past
This is not the first time Zelensky has asked for Tomahawk missiles.
In the closing months of Joe Biden’s presidency, a similar request tied to Zelensky’s 10-point “Victory Plan” was rejected.
At the time, officials feared that striking Moscow directly could dangerously escalate the conflict. This week, however, Zelensky indicated growing confidence after Trump reportedly said, “We will work on it.”
Backing from Europe
Part of Trump’s strategy reportedly involves European governments covering the cost of U.S.-made weapons sent to Ukraine.
Zelensky made it clear that, with these weapons, Ukrainian forces would be ready to target critical Russian infrastructure if Moscow launched similar attacks.
“If they attack our energy, President Trump supports that we can answer on energy,” Zelensky stated.
Security Experts Weigh In
Security experts in Kyiv see the request as both logical and inevitable.
Serhii Kuzan, former defence ministry adviser and chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, explained: “If Russia has long-range cruise missiles, Ukraine must have similar capabilities to strike targets at the same depths.”
He added that delays in receiving tanks and F-16s have been frustrating, but the goal remains clear: “All available types of weapons must be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible.”
Drone Incidents in Denmark Heighten Tensions
Just a day after Zelensky’s meeting, Danish authorities reported multiple drones flying over airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg, and the Skrydstrup air base.
The drones eventually departed on their own, leaving officials scrambling.
Police confirmed they were unable to intercept the drones over a “very large area” for several hours.
Denmark is now considering invoking NATO’s Article 4, which triggers urgent consultations among member states.
Growing Concerns Across Europe
These drone incidents follow similar occurrences in Poland and Romania, alongside Russian fighter jets violating Estonia’s airspace.
The escalation has raised fears across NATO, with Trump urging member countries to shoot down intruding Russian planes. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the moves “provocative and reckless” and stressed that the UK is “ready to act.”
Zelensky Demands Stronger Action
When asked about NATO’s response, Zelensky was blunt: “They have to shoot down everything.”
He stressed that weak reactions only embolden Russia to continue testing the limits of other countries’ defenses.
Looking Ahead
With the UN meeting as a backdrop, Zelensky’s push for Tomahawk missiles underscores Ukraine’s determination to strengthen its deterrent capabilities.
While it remains uncertain whether Washington will approve the request, the discussion highlights the stakes for both Kyiv and NATO as tensions with Russia continue to rise.