Trump May Supply Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is considering supplying long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. On Sunday, while aboard Air Force One, he told reporters, “We’ll see… I may” when asked about providing the missiles to Kyiv. The move would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Trump’s comments followed a phone call over the weekend with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been advocating for increased military support, including long-range capabilities. Zelensky is set to meet with Trump on Friday for further discussions on air defense.

Russia has reacted strongly against the potential missile supply, warning that it would lead to a serious escalation in the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that such a step would be of “extreme concern.” He emphasized the unpredictable nature of potential missile deployments and the severe implications they might carry.

The Tomahawk missile has a range of 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), allowing it to target major cities, including Moscow. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev cautioned that the provision of these missiles could have dire consequences for all parties involved, hinting at possible backlash against Trump himself.

Ukraine has long sought additional long-range missile capabilities to bolster its defense against Russian bombardments. In recent months, major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, have faced intensified attacks from Russian forces targeting energy infrastructure as winter approaches.

Margus Tsahkna, Estonian Foreign Minister, expressed support for the U.S. supply of Tomahawks, stating it could significantly help Ukraine in pushing back Russian advances. However, practical challenges remain regarding Ukraine’s capability to deploy the missiles effectively, as the necessary launch platforms are primarily naval vessels and bomber aircraft not currently available to Ukraine.

U.S. military planners are also aware of the constraints and potential complications tied to transferring such technology, stressing the need for training and operational integration. The Pentagon has indicated limited availability of Tomahawk missiles for transfer, a situation complicated by the high volume of missile attacks taking place in Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials assert that the Tomahawk could serve as a vital deterrent against further Russian aggression. Advisor Serhiy Leshchenko remarked that having such a weapon would signal to Russia that Ukraine could respond decisively to ongoing assaults. However, former Security Service of Ukraine officer Ivan Stupak voiced skepticism about Tomahawk missiles fundamentally altering the battlefield dynamics.

The discussions around Tomahawk missiles reflect the deepening tensions between Russia and the West, as both sides navigate increasingly volatile geopolitical landscapes.