Ukraine Braces for New Talks Without the Leverage of New Missiles

As Ukraine prepares to engage in new talks with Russia, the country's leaders are doing so without the added leverage that would have come with a shipment of advanced Tomahawk missiles. The sale of these missiles, which was once on the table, was ultimately nixed by US President Donald Trump in favor of pursuing diplomatic efforts with Moscow.Despite this development, Ukraine's negotiating position has actually gained strength since the summer months. According to sources close to the Ukrainian government, Kyiv has made significant strides in bolstering its military and improving its strategic situation, which should serve it well in upcoming talks with Russia.The Trump administration's decision to hold off on selling the Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine was seen as a major blow to the country's military modernization efforts. The missiles, which are capable of precision strikes against heavily fortified targets, would have given Ukraine a significant boost in its military capabilities.However, with the help of Western military aid and its own efforts to reform its armed forces, Ukraine has made notable progress in recent months. The country's military has become more effective and better equipped to respond to Russian aggression, which has been a major point of contention between the two nations.Ukraine's improved position is also due in part to the international community's continued support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union and other Western powers have maintained a strong stance against Russian actions in Ukraine, which has helped to limit Moscow's ability to dictate the terms of any potential agreement.As Ukraine enters into new talks with Russia, its leaders are likely to push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that preserves the country's independence and territorial integrity. While the absence of Tomahawk missiles may be felt, Ukraine's strengthened negotiating position and continued international support should help it navigate these complex discussions with greater confidence.