International Relations
The United States and Russia have agreed to convene a summit in Hungary to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This follows a prior meeting in Alaska in August that did not result in any significant advancements. The upcoming summit in Budapest is scheduled within two weeks after a recent two-hour call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.
Hungary has been selected as the location for the meeting due to its recent decision to leave the International Criminal Court, which had issued an arrest warrant for President Putin in 2023. Most European Union countries are members of the ICC, obliging them to arrest Putin should he visit their territories. Consequently, Budapest serves as a viable location for the Russian leader.
This meeting marks President Putin’s first visit to an EU country since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. The announcement comes amidst President Trump’s expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s cooperation in peace negotiations as the conflict nears its four-year mark.
Discussion on Tomahawk Missiles
During a recent conversation aboard Air Force One, President Trump indicated that if the conflict persists, the U.S. might consider supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. These missiles have a long range, potentially capable of strikes on key Russian locations. The Kremlin has expressed significant concern over this possibility, as stated by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Following his call with President Putin, President Trump appeared to reconsider, noting the necessity of retaining Tomahawk missiles for U.S. use. President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet at the White House to discuss potential military support for Ukraine.
Technical Specifications of Tomahawk Missiles
Tomahawk missiles, developed in the 1970s, are long-range cruise missiles typically launched from ships or submarines. They can perform deep-strike attacks on land, utilizing a combination of inertial navigation, GPS, and terrain contour matching for precision guidance. Traveling at low altitudes, these missiles have a range of 1,250-2,500 km and are capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads.
The U.S., UK, Netherlands, and Australia have employed Tomahawk missiles in various military operations, including in Syria and Libya. The U.S. has launched over 2,300 Tomahawks during these engagements.
Potential Outcomes of the Summit
The forthcoming summit in Budapest will be closely monitored as U.S. officials, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, prepare for discussions with their Russian counterparts. The aim is to advance peace negotiations and address trade relations, which have diminished significantly. Formal trade discussions are contingent upon the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.
The geopolitical impact of the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that even the threat of their provision could influence Russian actions. Further developments are anticipated following the meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Hungary.
