The decision of US President Donald Trump to refuse to transfer Tomahawk missiles to Volodymyr Zelensky after their meeting on Friday caused a powerful political resonance in Washington and Europe. Against the backdrop of intensified diplomatic activity by the Kremlin, experts speak of a direct attempt by Vladimir Putin to influence the position of the White House. This was reported by Kyiv Post.
According to sources in Washington, before the meeting with the Ukrainian president, Trump had a phone conversation with the Russian dictator, during which he firmly expressed his opposition to the transfer of long-range missiles to Ukraine. After that, the American president changed his position, although he had previously suggested the possibility of such a step.
After negotiations with Zelensky, which sources describe as 'tense' and 'difficult', Trump stated that he would 'see what happens next week', effectively leaving Kyiv without the anticipated breakthrough. He later called on social media for an immediate ceasefire and suggested both sides 'stop where they are', 'declare victory', and 'let history decide'.
Reactions of politicians and experts to Trump's decision
Former Deputy Director of NATO's Defense Investment Division, retired US Army Colonel Richard Williams, sharply criticized Trump's decision in a comment to Kyiv Post. He believes that the Russian dictator 'cleverly manipulates' the American leader, using psychological and political levers of influence.
'Putin is convinced that he can persuade Trump to give him more time for the war he is effectively losing,' Williams stated. According to him, Zelensky's proposal - swapping Tomahawk missiles from European partners for Ukrainian drone developments - was 'beneficial even from the perspective of a neutral observer.'
The expert also noted that the US does not 'give' aid to Ukraine, but only sells weapons to European allies, who then pass it on to Kyiv. 'Trump spent nothing on Ukraine,' he emphasized.
Trump's decision to refuse Zelensky the transfer of Tomahawk missiles raised concerns among experts who believe that the American president showed vulnerability to political influence from Russia. Confirmation of this may be Trump's change of position after the phone conversation with Putin, indicating the influence of the Russian leader on his American counterpart.