Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed in an exclusive interview on NBC’s Meet the Press that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “afraid” of the U.S. delivering Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, believing the threat of the long-range weapons could pressure Moscow into peace negotiations.
The comments came just before President Donald Trump is set to meet with Putin in Budapest in an effort to end the war, following Zelenskyy’s recent high-stakes meeting at the White House.
War and the Power of Tomahawks
In his interview with Kristen Welker, which aired Sunday, Zelenskyy confirmed that while President Trump did not offer a definitive “yes” to the request for Tomahawk missiles during their Friday meeting, he also “didn’t say ‘no’.” The Ukrainian leader suggested that Putin’s call to President Trump on Thursday—which preceded Trump’s more non-committal stance on the weapons—was likely an attempt to derail the Tomahawk delivery.
“I think that Putin [is] afraid that United States will deliver us Tomahawks,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that Moscow knows Ukraine would use them to target Russia’s military goals. Zelenskyy insisted that a ceasefire is a prerequisite for any peace talks, pushing back on Trump’s public call for both sides to “stop right now at the battle line.”
He said he agrees they should stay where they are, but only to prevent Russia from gaining more territory.
Despite the lack of an immediate commitment on the missiles, Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine is “not losing this war.” However, he noted that Russia is escalating air and missile strikes, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that he is “ready” to go to Budapest to be part of the negotiations between Trump and Putin, arguing that “deals without us about us” would be simple and insufficient for a lasting peace. He urged President Trump to be tougher on Putin, whom he compared to “something similar but more strong than Hamas.”
READ: Zelenskyy Urges Trump To Be Tougher On Putin, Ready To Join Summit Despite Missile Hesitation
Domestic Turmoil: Shutdown and Executive Power
The diplomatic push on Ukraine is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing domestic turmoil in Washington. The government shutdown has dragged into its fourth week, with no clear end in sight as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over healthcare subsidies and federal funding.
Senators from both parties highlighted the intensifying political pressure on the Sunday show. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer stated that the opposition “won’t even negotiate with us,” while Republican Senator John Thune argued that “Democrats have to take yes for an answer.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski captured the frustration, noting, “Nobody is winning when everybody’s losing.”
The prolonged funding lapse has led to widespread impacts, including the furloughing and laying off of federal workers, airport delays, and a significant percentage of the workforce at the US nuclear arsenal agency being sent home.
READ: Trump Takes Aim At ‘Nasty Little Guy’ Rand Paul; Kentucky Senator Defends Independent Stance
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