US President Donald Trump is contemplating the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles, a move he describes as a potential “new step of aggression” in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
During a recent conversation on Air Force One, Trump was asked about the prospective delivery of these missiles, to which he responded, “we’ll see… I may.” This statement comes on the heels of a second phone call over the weekend between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where Zelensky advocated for enhanced military capabilities to enable Ukraine to launch counter-offensives against Russian forces.
Concerns from Moscow
Moscow has previously issued warnings to Washington regarding the provision of long-range missile systems to Ukraine, asserting that such actions would significantly escalate the conflict and further strain US-Russian relations. Tomahawk missiles possess a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles), bringing Moscow within striking distance for Ukrainian forces.
Speaking to reporters while en route to Israel, Trump indicated that he might discuss the potential missile support with Russian officials. He noted, “I might tell them [Russia] that if the war is not settled, that we may very well, we may not, but we may do it.” He further questioned, “Do they [Russia] want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so,” highlighting the tense nature of the situation.
Ukraine’s military requests
Ukraine has persistently requested long-range missiles as it considers targeting Russian cities situated far from the frontline. In their discussions, President Zelensky and Trump focused on enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities, which includes improving air defenses and securing long-range weaponry.
Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv, have faced relentless bombardments from Russian forces employing drones and missile strikes. The Kremlin has particularly aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages.
Last month, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, indicated that the US president had authorized strikes deep into Russian territory, stating on Fox News that “there are no such things as sanctuaries” in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, Russia downplayed the potential impact of Tomahawk missiles, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserting, “Whether it’s Tomahawks or other missiles, they won’t be able to change the dynamic” of the war, which has seen its full-scale invasion commence in February 2022.