Trump Warns Russia of Sending Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has warned Russia that he may authorize sending long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine if Moscow does not soon settle the ongoing war. Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One, suggesting a significant potential escalation in US military support. The statement represents a tougher stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and is aimed at pressuring Moscow to engage seriously in peace negotiations to end the conflict.
Unpacked:
Tomahawk missiles are long-range, precision-guided cruise missiles developed by the US, capable of striking targets up to 2,500 km away depending on the variant. Their significance lies in their ability to hit high-value, distant targets—potentially even Moscow—which could dramatically alter the strategic balance in the Ukraine conflict and increase pressure on Russia to negotiate.
Ukraine would likely use Tomahawks to target critical Russian infrastructure, military facilities, or drone production sites beyond the reach of current Ukrainian weapons. However, President Zelenskyy has indicated they may not necessarily strike Moscow, aiming instead to create a strategic deterrent and force Russia to reconsider its military actions.
Supplying Tomahawks could escalate the conflict, as Russia views such arms transfers as a major provocation and has warned of cooling relations with the US. There is also a risk of unintended escalation if Ukraine strikes sensitive Russian targets. Domestically, it could increase pressure on Putin, but it might also harden Russian resolve, depending on the scale and frequency of use.
The US has not yet supplied Tomahawks to Ukraine, though President Zelenskyy has long requested them. Factors delaying transfer include limited missile production, concerns over escalation, and the need for compatible launch platforms—Ukraine lacks submarines or ships to fire them, though new land-based systems like Typhon could enable use. Previous US administrations imposed restrictions on other weapons, but Trump may be less constrained.