“When we talk about long-range weapons for Ukraine, we mean that the Putin regime should feel real consequences from this war,” Zelensky told European leaders in Brussels.
“I urge you to support everything that helps Ukraine get such capabilities—because it really makes a difference for Russia," he said.
“Just look at how nervous (Russian President Vladimir) Putin became when this topic came up,” he added, as cited by the Reuters news agency. “He understands that long-range weapons can truly change the course of the war.”
Zelensky met with Trump at the White House last Friday to appeal for Tomahawk cruise missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defences against Russia’s invasion.
Trump declined to make a commitment, saying such weapons could escalate the conflict and may not be needed if he can reach a peace deal with Putin.
“Tomahawks are a big deal,” Trump said at the time. “Because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace, right?”
Zelensky said on Thursday that Ukraine was in talks with European countries that also possess long-range weapons, including Tomahawk missiles, and could potentially supply them.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Thursday is day 1,338 of Russia's war on Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: Reuters, IAR, PAP