Zelenskiy's Confidential Call: The Long-Range Missile Debate

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy hinted at a request for U.S. Tomahawk missiles, amid concerns of leaked information. The missiles have a range exceeding Ukraine's current arsenal, potentially escalating the conflict with Russia. Zelenskiy discussed a 'victory plan' to persuade Moscow to negotiate an end to the war.

In a recent video release, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy implied that Kyiv sought long-range U.S. Tomahawk missiles, while raising concerns about leaked confidential information. These missiles, with a range of 2,500 km, surpass any available in Ukraine's arsenal, and their provision could be perceived by Russia as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Last month, Zelenskiy visited the United States with a 'victory plan' aimed at urging President Joe Biden to pressure Moscow for sincere peace negotiations. Zelenskiy's plan, he mentioned, involves a 'non-nuclear deterrence package' to be activated only if Russia persists with its full-scale invasion and continues to escalate the situation.

Details of the plan remain largely confidential, a point Zelenskiy made during recent remarks to Nordic journalists. He alluded to media reports suggesting Ukraine's interest in acquiring missiles like the Tomahawks, noting it was confidential information meant only for Ukraine and the White House. Despite U.S. reluctance to allow Ukraine to fire Western weapons deep into Russia, Ukraine has developed and utilized its own long-range drones during the war.

(With inputs from agencies.)