Trump Considers Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine
President Donald Trump is weighing the possibility of sending long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, a move that could mark a major shift in U.S. military support and further inflame tensions with Russia.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump said, “I may” send the missiles, adding that, “if the war is not settled, we may very well, we may not, but we may do it.” He emphasized the potential impact of such a decision, saying, “Do they [Russia] want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”
The Tomahawk cruise missile, capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) away, would allow Ukraine to reach deep into Russian territory — including Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested these weapons, framing them as critical for countering Russian advances and defending key infrastructure.
Zelenskyy, in a Fox News interview, stressed that any Tomahawks received would be used solely for military purposes, not to attack civilians. On social media, he called his recent phone call with Trump “very productive,” noting they discussed “air defence, resilience, and long-range capabilities.” It was the second call between the two leaders in just a few days.
This comes as Ukraine reports modest gains on the battlefield. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces have advanced over 3 kilometers in the Zaporizhzhia region and are making progress near Dobropillia, a town in Donetsk near key Russian logistics routes. Meanwhile, Russian sources claim they continue to hold the strategic advantage, highlighting the continued fog of war and contrasting narratives from both sides.
At the same time, Russia has intensified its aerial campaign against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. In just one week, Zelenskyy reported over 3,100 drone attacks, 92 missiles, and around 1,360 glide bombs launched by Russian forces. Over the weekend, Russia carried out what officials described as one of the largest concentrated strikes on Ukraine's power grid, causing widespread blackouts and injuring workers at key substations.
The Kremlin has responded with alarm to the idea of the U.S. supplying Ukraine with Tomahawks. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the topic is of “extreme concern,” warning that this would escalate tensions and further complicate relations with Washington. He also noted that some variants of the missile can carry nuclear warheads, raising the stakes.
While Trump has not confirmed a final decision, he indicated that conversations with Zelenskyy and future talks with Putin could shape the outcome. “They’d like to have Tomahawks. That’s a step up,” Trump said. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon; very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
As the war drags on, both Ukraine and Russia are pressing their positions on the battlefield and in diplomacy. Meanwhile, international focus is increasingly divided, with new developments in the Middle East drawing global attention. Zelenskyy has urged Western allies not to lose sight of Ukraine’s urgent needs as winter approaches.
A senior Ukrainian delegation is expected to visit the U.S. this week to continue talks, likely with Tomahawks high on the agenda.
