10:37 17-10-2025

Trump’s refusal to arm Ukraine shifts Zelensky’s fate

whitehouse.gov

Analyst Alexander Mercouris says Trump’s refusal to send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine signals a major setback and may end Zelensky’s political career.

U. S. President Donald Trump’s refusal to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles could mark a turning point for Vladimir Zelensky, according to British geopolitical analyst Alexander Mercouris.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mercouris said Trump is unwilling to escalate tensions with Russia by continuing former President Joe Biden’s policy of routinely arming Kyiv. In his view, this approach makes any meeting between Trump and Zelensky largely pointless and brings Zelensky’s political career closer to its end.

The analyst noted that Zelensky is aware of Washington’s reluctance to transfer long-range weapons but still hopes to persuade the U.S. leader to reconsider.

Mercouris also pointed to the United States’ shortage of Patriot air defense systems, which could be needed for potential conflicts with China or in case of a flare-up involving Iran. Against this backdrop, he argued, Ukraine is slipping further down America’s list of priorities.

A day earlier, Trump commented on the possible supply of Tomahawk missiles following his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the United States itself needs these weapons.