Zelenskyy Pushes Drone-for-Missile Deal with Trump, Keeping Ukraine’s Fight Alive
In a bold diplomatic move that underscores his determination to keep Ukraine’s war effort alive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, proposing an unprecedented exchange — Ukrainian-made combat drones in return for America’s long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.
During the high-stakes discussion, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s growing technological edge in drone warfare, a capability honed through years of intense conflict with Russia.
He noted that while Ukraine possesses thousands of military drones built through ingenuity and necessity, it lacks the kind of long-range strike power that US missiles can provide.
Referring specifically to Tomahawks, Zelenskyy emphasized that such weapons could “balance the battlefield” and give Ukraine strategic depth against Russian military targets.
Trump appeared intrigued by the proposal. When asked whether the United States would consider such an exchange, he replied affirmatively:
“We are.” Acknowledging the global shift toward drone warfare, he added, “We build our own drones, but we also buy from others — and they make a very good drone.”
What Makes the Tomahawk So Powerful?
The Tomahawk is a precision-guided, long-range cruise missile developed for sea-to-land strikes, primarily used by the US Navy.
According to The Guardian, each missile measures around 6.1 meters in length, weighs about 1,510 kilograms, and boasts a wingspan of 2.5 meters.
With a speed of roughly 550 miles per hour, it can strike targets nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away — while advanced nuclear-capable versions can reach up to 2,500 km.
Each missile costs approximately $1.3 million, a testament to its precision and sophistication.
Ukraine’s Strategic Argument
For Kyiv, access to Tomahawks would be a game-changer. Ukrainian officials argue that the missiles would allow them to strike deep inside Russian territory — targeting military command centers, airfields, and supply routes — areas currently beyond their reach.
Such capability, they believe, could pressure Vladimir Putin into taking peace negotiations more seriously.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski supported the idea, noting that Russia’s vast geography makes it nearly impossible to shield every critical site, making Tomahawks especially effective.
Existing Arsenal and Limitations
Ukraine already fields several Western-supplied systems, including the US-made ATACMS and GMLRS, as well as British and French Storm Shadow missiles.
However, these have shorter ranges — the Atacms can travel up to 190 miles — compared to the Tomahawk’s extensive reach.
Ukraine has also developed domestic missiles like the Flamingo (range over 1,000 miles) and the Neptune, an anti-ship missile first unveiled in 2015.
Yet, deploying Tomahawks comes with major logistical hurdles. They are primarily launched from ships and submarines, platforms that Ukraine does not possess.
The few land-based launchers, such as the Typhon system, exist in limited quantities, with only two operational in the US Army.
Another variant, the X-Mav, was recently demonstrated but is similarly scarce. Experts estimate only 20–50 Tomahawks are readily available, reducing their potential effectiveness if not deployed in coordinated volleys.
Trump’s Balancing Act
President Trump has recently hinted at being open to supplying advanced missiles to Ukraine, but his tone shifted after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.
“We need Tomahawks for the United States of America too,” Trump remarked, stressing that America could not “deplete its own stockpiles.”
Despite this caution, Trump confirmed that he would meet Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to explore potential diplomatic channels.
He suggested that any future negotiations involving Zelenskyy and Putin might have to occur indirectly, hinting at the delicate balancing act Washington is now engaged in.
Still, for Zelenskyy, this latest overture marks yet another demonstration of his unyielding resolve to ensure that Ukraine remains equipped, relevant, and ready in its ongoing confrontation with Russia — a fight that shows no signs of waning.
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