Dmitriev claimed sanctions would have no impact, but Bessent stresses that oil profits down 20%, inflation above 20%, and Russia’s wartime economy reeling.
Modified KABs cost Russia roughly $250,000 to $300,000 each compared to $1 million for cruise missiles, enabling Moscow to fire 175 precision weapons daily.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Washington seeking long-range Tomahawks but found Trump distant, tough, and unwilling to commit after speaking to the Kremlin.
Trump surprised Zelenskyy with Putin call news upon arrival, announcing Budapest summit plans as Ukraine seeks Tomahawks Moscow opposes providing.Retry
Russia warns of "very serious" escalation if the US sells Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, though the weapons would mirror Russia's own Iskander, Kinzhal, and Kalibr missiles used in weekly strikes against Ukraine since 2022, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
The US may deliver as few as 20 Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine—a quantity that defense experts say would produce negligible effects on battlefield conditions or military dynamics
The in-person meeting comes after Trump told reporters over the weekend that he views the weapons as potential leverage with Moscow rather than automatic military aid.
Zelenskyy said the leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, noting "there are good options and strong ideas," with a Ukrainian delegation traveling to Washington next week for security talks.