What's happened
U.S. President Biden will speak with Russian leader Putin amid signs of U.S. support for Ukraine, including potential delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles. Zelensky prepares for a high-stakes meeting with Trump to discuss military aid and energy resilience as Russian attacks intensify on Ukraine's infrastructure.
What's behind the headline?
The current diplomatic and military developments reveal a strategic push by Ukraine and its allies to escalate Ukraine's offensive capabilities. The potential delivery of Tomahawk missiles would mark a significant shift, enabling Ukraine to target deep inside Russian territory, including critical military and energy infrastructure. This move could alter the balance of power, forcing Russia to divert defenses and possibly escalate retaliatory strikes. The timing suggests a calculated effort by Kyiv and Washington to leverage the momentum from recent peace talks in the Middle East and global diplomatic pressure to push Russia toward negotiations. However, the risk of escalation remains high, with Moscow warning of serious consequences if the U.S. supplies such weapons. The upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting will be pivotal in determining whether this escalation proceeds, potentially shaping the trajectory of the conflict for months to come.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Biden will speak with Putin amid signs of U.S. support for Ukraine, including long-range missile aid, with Zelensky emphasizing the importance of pressure on Putin. Al Jazeera highlights recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Zelensky's calls for increased defense aid, noting the escalation of Russian strikes and Ukraine's diplomatic efforts in Washington. The NY Post details Zelensky's official invitation to meet Trump, discussing the potential sale of Tomahawk missiles and the strategic implications of such support, with Trump expressing cautious interest. These sources collectively underscore the high-stakes diplomacy and military considerations shaping the Ukraine conflict, with a focus on the potential for increased U.S. military aid and its geopolitical consequences.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen Russia targeting energy infrastructure to weaken Kyiv's resilience, especially ahead of winter. Ukraine seeks advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles, to counter Russian advances. The U.S. and European allies are debating military support, with recent discussions focusing on the potential transfer of Tomahawk missiles, which could significantly extend Ukraine's strike capabilities inside Russia. Zelensky's diplomatic efforts include high-level meetings in Washington to secure this support, amid heightened Russian attacks and international pressure for a resolution.
Go deeper
Common question
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Will the US send long-range missiles to Ukraine?
The possibility of the US supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine is a hot topic right now. With ongoing conflicts and escalating tensions, many are wondering if this move could change the course of the war. In this page, we explore what’s happening, what it could mean for Ukraine and Russia, and what future military support might look like.
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Why Is the US Supporting Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles?
The US is considering providing Ukraine with long-range missiles like the Tomahawk, sparking questions about the motives and potential consequences. What does this support mean for the ongoing conflict, and how might it change the geopolitical landscape? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding US military aid to Ukraine and the broader implications for Russia and international diplomacy.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.