• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasizes urgent need for air defenses in talks with Trump.
• Trump warns he may supply Tomahawk missiles if Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.
• Moscow expresses "extreme concern" over potential U.S. missile deliveries, warning of severe escalation.
• Zelenskyy plans to meet Trump in Washington while a Ukrainian delegation discusses energy and defense support.
• Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urgently requested more air defenses during calls with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that “Russia is now taking advantage” of the conflict amid shifting global attention towards other crises. This call came as Russian airstrikes continue to threaten Ukraine's energy infrastructure, intensifying ahead of winter, with hundreds of thousands left without power.

During the discussions, Zelenskyy urged Trump for advanced weaponry, specifically the long-range Tomahawk missiles, stating, "I informed him about our priority needs – first and foremost, air defense systems and missiles.” Trump indicated he could supply these missiles if the war does not settle soon, saying, "If this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks," suggesting a monumental escalation in U.S. support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to Le Monde, Al Jazeera, TRT Global, and Channel News Asia.

In response to Zelenskyy’s missile requests, Trump acknowledged he needed clarity regarding the intended military use of Tomahawks, asserting, “I may tell him (Putin), if the war is not settled, we may very well do it.” Zelenskyy maintains that any strikes would target military assets, not civilians, reinforcing the stark distinction in military ethics between Ukraine and its aggressor. Trump’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny on U.S.-Russian relations as Kremlin officials warn missile supplies could prompt serious escalations, including a potential nuclear response.

Zelenskyy and Trump’s recent dialogues were preceded by a high-level Ukrainian delegation, including Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, traveling to Washington to discuss defense, energy support, and strategic sanctions against Russia. These efforts align with Zelenskyy’s overarching goal of increasing air defense capabilities as Russian attacks on energy facilities intensify in their attempts to destabilize Ukraine ahead of colder months, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and The Hill.