On October 30, President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the White House for leaking Ukraine’s confidential request for Tomahawk missiles.
He stated that the information was supposed to be private between Ukraine and the U.S.
The New York Times reported on October 29, citing undisclosed U.S. officials, that Ukraine had requested Tomahawk missiles with a range of 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) as part of a "non-nuclear deterrence package" within its victory plan.
Sources indicated that Washington was hesitant to approve the request, citing the limited supply of Tomahawks and uncertainty over Ukraine’s need for the weapon.
“It was confidential information between Ukraine and the White House. How to understand these messages?” Zelensky questioned at a press briefing with Nordic journalists. “So this means between partners, there is no confidentiality.”
According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s request included assurances that the missiles would be used only if Russia refused to de-escalate the conflict.
“I said this is a preventive method. I was told it’s an escalation,” he added.
Kyiv has been pushing for more support from President Joe Biden before his term ends in January. There are concerns that U.S. aid might diminish if Republican nominee Donald Trump wins the Nov. 5 election.
Amid growing pressure from Russian advances and increasingly uncertain Western support, Zelensky presented a five-step victory plan aimed at ending the war by 2025.
However, some elements of the plan received a lukewarm response from Ukraine’s partners, as the White House remains opposed to long-range strikes on Russian territory and several countries continue to withhold NATO membership for Ukraine.
