US President Donald Trump has said he is considering sending Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that could significantly escalate tensions with Russia.
When asked by reporters if he would approve the transfer of the missiles, Trump responded:
“We’ll see, I may.”
The statement comes after Trump’s second phone call in recent days with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been urging Washington to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range military capabilities. Ukraine has increasingly pushed for weapons capable of reaching deep into Russian territory to respond to Moscow’s persistent strikes.
Tomahawk missiles have a range of up to 2,500 km (1,500 miles) which would put Moscow within striking distance from Ukrainian territory. Delivering these weapons would mark a major shift in US military support, potentially opening the door to Ukrainian strikes far beyond the front lines.
Speaking en route to Israel, Trump said he might speak to Russia directly about the missile decision, stating, “I might tell them Russia, that if the war is not settled, we may very well we may not but we may do it.” Do they want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.”
Moscow has previously warned that supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine would be seen as a provocative escalation, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently downplaying the effectiveness of US arms:
“Whether it’s Tomahawks or other missiles, they won’t be able to change the dynamic.”
In both recent phone calls, Zelensky reportedly pressed for more powerful systems to counter Russia’s air and missile attacks, which have heavily damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and civilian areas, especially in cities like Kyiv.
The US has so far avoided sending long-range strike weapons, wary of provoking a direct confrontation with Russia. However, last month Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, signaled a shift in posture, stating that “There are no such things as sanctuaries” in this war a statement interpreted as a green light for Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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