The recent phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has cast a shadow over Ukraine's hopes for US Tomahawk missiles. This unexpected conversation, initiated by Putin, seems to have shifted the balance of power, potentially derailing Ukraine's long-sought-after goal of acquiring these powerful weapons. The Kremlin's Yuri Ushakov revealed that Putin urged Trump not to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, a move that could significantly impact the ongoing conflict. This development comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump in Washington, a meeting that was expected to address the issue of missile supply. The call is the eighth known interaction between the two leaders since Trump's second term began, and it follows a pattern of Putin's influence on Trump's stance towards Ukraine. When Trump has shown a willingness to support Ukraine, Putin's interventions have often led to a softening of Trump's stance towards Russia. This time, after expressing frustration with Putin and hinting at potential support for Ukraine, Trump's tone shifted, and he emphasized the need for US Tomahawk missiles, suggesting a reevaluation of his previous stance. Trump's comments during the call, including his suggestion of providing Tomahawks to Putin's opposition, indicate a complex and nuanced situation. The conversation also led to Trump's announcement of a potential meeting with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, a move that raises questions about the logistics, given the EU sanctions and the international criminal court's warrant for Putin's arrest. The Hungarian government, however, has assured that Putin will be able to enter and leave the country, with preparations for the summit underway. This development has sparked debates about the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with some officials in Kyiv viewing the call negatively, while others try to find positive aspects in Putin's outreach. The outcome of this diplomatic dance remains uncertain, leaving the world waiting to see how Trump's decisions will shape the conflict and the relationship between the US and Russia.
