Tomahawks a powerful deterrent that can reduce Russian air attacks – Stefanishyna
The end of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine does not require a direct dialogue with the aggressor, it is enough to exert collective pressure on him, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna has said.
She reported on Telegram about the publication of her conversation with video blogger Mario Nawfal about the principles of a new format of interaction between Ukraine and the United States. "The key theses of our conversation with Mario: the end of the war is a process, and its result should be a just peace; the end of the war does not require a direct dialogue with the aggressor; it is necessary to exert joint constant pressure - through sanctions, strengthening air defense and reliable security guarantees," Stefanishyna wrote.
The ambassador also noted the importance of supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles of American production to deter the aggressor state. "Regarding the possible supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, these long-range missiles can reduce the threat of massive air attacks targeting critical military facilities on Russian territory. Demonstrating the ability to destroy military infrastructure is also a powerful means of deterrence," she wrote following the conversation.
Stefanishyna noted that after the start of full-scale Russian aggression, US support helped Ukraine survive, and now Ukrainian-American relations have "grew into a broad strategic partnership that includes specific economic and security instruments."
"The fact that during the current presidency of Donald Trump, he has united and mobilized Europeans to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities is a wonderful result. This includes, among other things, increasing defense spending by NATO member states and introducing the PURL military equipment procurement mechanism. It is no less important for Ukraine that the US president supported the ideas of creating the American-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund and concluding a future agreement on drones," the diplomat added.
As reported, President Trump said that he was ready to send Tomahawks to Ukraine if Russia does not stop the war. "I can talk to him (Putin - IF-U). I can say: look, if this war is not settled, I will send them (Ukraine - IF-U) Tomahawks. I can say that," he said.
Trump called the Tomahawk "a very offensive weapon" and a new step of aggression. "And frankly, Russia doesn't need it. They don't need it. But if this (war – IF-U) is not resolved, we can do it," he said.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas welcomed the possible decision to transfer Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. "We would welcome all instruments that make Ukraine stronger and Russia weaker," she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Tomahawk missiles could be financed in three ways, including the PURL program, a major deal with the United States, and the use of frozen Russian assets.
On October 14, the Financial Times, citing its own sources, reported that the United States could provide Ukraine with 20 to 50 Tomahawk cruise missiles, which "would not decisively change the dynamics of the war."