The Pan-Afrikanist Watchman

October 18, 2025

As Washington touts its role as a global peacemaker, its simultaneous consideration of supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles risks sabotaging its credibility and derailing fragile diplomatic overtures.

The contradiction—advocating peace while escalating military support—was laid bare during a two-and-a-half-hour phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on October 16.

According to commentary by Yury Ushakov, aide to the Russian President, the conversation marked the eighth direct exchange between the two leaders and was described as “substantive, open, and frank.”

President Putin began by commending Trump’s efforts to normalize the situation in Gaza, a move widely praised across the Middle East and beyond.

However, the Ukraine crisis dominated the dialogue. Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through political and diplomatic means, while asserting that Russian forces currently maintain strategic initiative across the front.

He accused the Kyiv government of resorting to “terrorist methods,” targeting civilian and energy infrastructure—actions he claimed necessitate Russian retaliation.

President Trump, for his part, stressed the urgency of ending the conflict, describing Ukraine as the most-stubborn challenge among his peacekeeping efforts.

He referenced his success in resolving eight other regional disputes and argued that peace in Ukraine could unlock “tremendous” opportunities for U.S.-Russia economic cooperation.

Yet the discussion took a sharp turn with the mention of potential U.S. supplies of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Putin warned that such a move would not alter battlefield dynamics but would “inflict substantial damage” on bilateral relations and jeopardize prospects for peace.

Despite tensions, both leaders agreed to initiate preparations for a potential summit, possibly in Budapest.

The call also included a personal note: Putin praised First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian work in reuniting Russian and Ukrainian children with their families and asked Trump to convey his best wishes.

Ushakov concluded that the exchange was “quite useful,” with both presidents committing to continued contact. Still, the looming spectre of missile deliveries casts doubt on the sincerity and sustainability of U.S. mediation efforts.

© TPA2025