Ukraine could receive US-made long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles from European stockpiles. Zelensky made the appeal at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on Thursday, October 23, his office said.
Zelensky said the use of long-range weapons would force Vladimir Putin to feel the consequences of the war. “I urge you to support everything that helps Ukraine obtain these capabilities, because it has a significant impact on Russia,” he told European leaders.
“Long-range weapons are not only in the United States - they’re also in some European countries, including Tomahawks. We are already talking to countries that can help. And just look how nervous Putin became when this topic came up. He understands that long-range weapons can really change the course of the war,” Zelensky added.
He also urged Europe to transfer Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine as soon as possible. “We plan to use most of these funds to purchase European weapons,” Zelensky said.
“This money can help both you and us. It can be used now to strengthen us: bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, its air fleet, and positions on the front line. That means saving lives,” the Ukrainian president said.
If long-range weapons strike Russian territory, the response will be very serious, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 23. “It’s an attempt to escalate. If such weapons are used to strike Russian territories, the response will be very serious, if not stunning,” Interfax quoted Putin as saying. He was responding to questions about reports that restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons could be lifted and that such weapons could be supplied to the country.
