During a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, the focus was on the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This move would allow Ukraine to target deep within Russia, potentially escalating the conflict between the two nations.
Trump, while acknowledging the capabilities of Tomahawk missiles, expressed caution about the consequences of deploying them, stating, “a lot of bad things could happen.” He emphasized the significance of these weapons, calling them “an amazing weapon.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed hope to resolve the conflict without the need for Tomahawk missiles. Ukraine has requested assistance with these long-range missiles amid its battle with Russia.
However, Trump did not confirm any commitment to supply the missiles, stating, “Hopefully we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks.”
Here are key details about Tomahawk missiles and their potential impact on the ongoing conflict.
Understanding Tomahawk Missiles
Tomahawk missiles are long-range weapons with a reach of at least 1,600 kilometers, extendable to 2,400 kilometers. They fly at low altitudes, making them difficult to detect, and can be precisely guided to targets.
The U.S. possesses a significant number of Tomahawks, but reports suggest a decline in their availability. Recent usage in conflicts, such as against Houthi rebels in Yemen, has depleted existing stocks. Despite this, the U.S. only ordered 22 new missiles in 2024, with no additional requests in the current budget.
If approved, the U.S. would sell the missiles to European allies, who would then transfer them to Ukraine. However, the quantity that the U.S. would be willing to provide remains uncertain.
The launch mechanism for these missiles is also a point of ambiguity. Presently, they are predominantly launched from ships or submarines, posing a challenge for Ukraine, which lacks the naval capacity to deploy these 20-foot-long missiles. Ground-based launch options are currently unavailable.
Ukraine’s Interest in Tomahawks
Ukraine’s interest in Tomahawk missiles stems from the desire to target deep within Russian territory. However, concerns exist among U.S. and European allies regarding the potential repercussions of such actions, as it could provoke Russia, which has cautioned NATO countries against escalating tensions.
Trump highlighted this concern, mentioning a
