US President Donald Trump has indicated that he is considering sending Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that could significantly escalate the conflict with Russia. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “we’ll see… I may,” when asked about the potential transfer of missiles.
The comments follow a second phone call over the weekend between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Zelensky reportedly pressed for stronger military capabilities to carry out counter-offensives against Russian forces. Ukraine has repeatedly requested long-range missiles to strike targets far beyond front-line positions.
Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of 2,500 km (1,500 miles), would potentially put Moscow within reach, marking a significant escalation in the war. Trump suggested he might discuss the issue with Russian authorities, saying, “I might tell them [Russia] that if the war is not settled, we may very well, we may not, but we may do it.”
The US president also questioned whether Russia would welcome Tomahawks being directed at its territory, adding, “Do they [Russia] want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so.” The potential delivery has raised concerns in Washington about the broader consequences for US-Russian relations.
Kyiv has faced repeated Russian attacks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages. Zelensky’s government has sought to bolster its air defences and long-range strike capabilities to counter Russia’s bombardments on civilian and strategic targets.
Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, previously suggested that the US president had authorized deep strikes into Russian territory, asserting on Fox News that “there are no such things as sanctuaries” in the conflict. These comments hinted at an increased willingness to extend military support beyond conventional defensive measures.
Moscow has consistently warned against supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, describing such a move as a major escalation that could strain US-Russian relations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed the potential impact, stating last month that “whether it’s Tomahawks or other missiles, they won’t be able to change the dynamic.”
The possible transfer of Tomahawk missiles represents a new phase in discussions over US military support for Ukraine, which has included artillery, drones, air defence systems, and advanced weaponry. Analysts say that providing long-range strike capabilities could dramatically shift the strategic calculus, raising the risk of direct confrontation with Russian territory.
As Trump travels to Israel, his remarks indicate a careful balancing act between supporting Ukraine and managing relations with Moscow. Observers note that any decision to send Tomahawks will be closely scrutinized by both allies and adversaries, given its potential to escalate an already intense conflict.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year, continues to draw international attention. US involvement in supplying advanced weapons remains a key factor in determining the trajectory of the conflict and its potential consequences for global security.