Trump to Host Zelensky at White House as Ukraine Seeks Long-Range Missiles and Air Defenses
President Donald Trump is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House this week, with Kyiv pressing for long-range missiles and additional air defense systems to counter Russia’s escalating attacks. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions and a renewed diplomatic push, as Zelensky seeks to secure weapons that he argues are critical for deterring Russia and defending Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Trump has publicly floated the possibility of providing Tomahawk cruise missiles, a move that would significantly boost Ukraine’s strike capabilities but also risk further straining relations with Moscow.nnZelensky is expected to press for additional Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles, which Ukraine says are essential to counter Russia’s increasing use of ballistic missiles. The Pentagon informed Congress in May that the remaining approximately $400 million in military assistance approved last year will be delivered over several years, with final deliveries expected by 30 September 2029. This slow disbursement has raised concerns in Kyiv about the pace of U.S. support. However, Washington remains a key ally, providing intelligence and access to the Starlink satellite network used by Ukrainian frontline troops to communicate.nnThe Tomahawks, with a range of about 1,600 kilometres, remain a sensitive issue as Washington tries to balance support for Ukraine with the risk of further straining relations with Russia. Zelensky has argued that access to long-range missiles could help Ukrainian forces strike deep into Russian territory — targeting military sites, energy hubs, and key infrastructure. In a sign of improving ties, Trump, in a meeting with Zelensky in Turkey earlier this month, pledged to help Ukraine produce Patriot air defense systems, and said Kyiv would be able to produce them “pretty quickly.” “We also spoke about diplomacy — it’s important that the diplomatic process be reinvigorated,” Zelensky said after that meeting.nnAs the war grinds on, Ukraine continues to target key Russian shipping routes, underscoring its determination to disrupt Russian logistics. The upcoming White House meeting could redefine U.S. involvement in Ukraine, but missile decisions remain uncertain amid Putin’s growing pressure. While Trump’s willingness to consider providing Tomahawks signals a potential shift, the administration must weigh the risks of escalation. For now, Kyiv hopes that the talks will yield concrete commitments to
Shimanta Das 
