US President Donald Trump is contemplating the deployment of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. This consideration arose during a recent conversation on Air Force One, where Trump remarked, 'I may' when asked if he would provide missiles to Kyiv. He cautioned that this would represent 'a new step of aggression' in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The discussions follow a weekend phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Zelensky emphasized the need for stronger military capabilities to counter Russian attacks. Moscow has sternly warned the US against the provision of such long-range weapons, claiming it would result in a major escalation of hostilities and deteriorate US-Russian relations.
Trump pointed out that the Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles), would allow Ukraine to strike Russian targets deeply within its territory. This was underscored by Trump's comment on the possibility of discussing the matter with Russian officials, saying, 'I might tell them that if the war is not settled, that we may very well, we may not, but we may do it.'
Responses from Russia have been swift, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeling the prospect of Tomahawk missiles as 'extremely concerning.' He emphasized the significant dangers posed by escalating tensions from both sides of the conflict.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev echoed Peskov’s sentiments, warning that supplying these missiles could have dire consequences, particularly for Trump himself. Such comments highlight the heightened sensitivity surrounding military aid to Ukraine as it grapples with continued Russian aggression, especially targeting its cities and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has long sought long-range missile capabilities, with the aim of striking back at Russian forces and affecting supply lines. The discussions between Trump and Zelensky signal a possible shift in the framework of support from the US as Ukraine prepares for potential winter offensives.
