On Thursday, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, employing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, just before a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump at the White House.
President Zelensky plans to request additional U.S.-made air defense and long-range missiles during his visit. He reported that over 300 drones and 37 missiles were aimed at Ukraine overnight and accused Russia of employing cluster munitions while targeting emergency responders attempting to fix the power grid.
“The Russians are taking advantage of every day this fall to attack our energy infrastructure,” Zelensky noted on Telegram.
Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Russia has consistently targeted Kiev’s power grid as Ukraine endeavors to protect its skies.
Ukrainian officials have made repeated appeals for more Western assistance to counteract Russian aggression and defend against aerial strikes, particularly requesting U.S.-made cruise missiles and air defense systems.
Zelensky’s visit coincides with President Trump hinting at a potential endorsement of Ukraine’s arms requests, possibly aiming to incentivize Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage with U.S.-led peace initiatives.
On Sunday, Trump proposed that Russia might supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if it continues its military actions.
“I might say, ‘Look, if this war isn’t resolved, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,'” Trump stated while speaking to reporters on Air Force One. “The Tomahawk is an exceptional weapon, a very offensive weapon. To be honest, Russia really doesn’t need one.”
He further indicated that discussions regarding weapons would be central during Zelensky’s visit on Friday.
“I understand what he wants. He wants weapons. He’s looking for a Tomahawk, just like everyone else, and we have plenty of them,” Trump commented on Tuesday at the White House.
Moreover, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth remarked on Wednesday that should Russia avoid negotiating a peace settlement, the U.S. would “take the necessary steps to impose costs on Russia for its ongoing aggression.”
While the U.S. has largely refrained from sending long-range missiles to Ukraine due to fears of escalating the conflict and potentially impacting NATO countries, Trump is evidently exasperated with Russia’s refusal to negotiate. The Tomahawk missiles, known for flying at low altitudes and subsonic speeds to evade radar, could enable Kiev to strike Russian military positions and energy facilities, such as oil and gas infrastructure, at a much greater range.
